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30 Best Romantic Anime Movies Ranked According To IMDb

Fans will be well aware of the rich diversity that anime offers, but others might not realize that there is a wealth of sub-genres that come under the umbrella of this animation style. In addition to the futuristic sci-fi and more action-packed offerings, a lot of anime is more focused on tugging at the heartstrings and exploring the intricacies of love and romance.

There is something about the power of anime that helps it to emotionally resonate with its audience — and this is particularly evident in romantic anime. The strongest films in this sub-genre really nail the building, maintaining, and sometimes ending of relationships, effectively conveying the deep bonds in both romantic and platonic relationships. While the focus is often on young love, that shouldn't discount the effectiveness of the way romantic anime handles the complex feelings and emotions that can arise — often resulting in an experience that feels deeply personal and relatable. Whether you're a huge anime fan already, or just looking for the place to start , we've ranked 30 of the best romantic anime movies according to their scores on IMDb.

30. Fireworks (2017)

While the usual pattern is to have the anime come first and the live-action remake later, 2017's "Fireworks" turns that on its head as it is a remake of the 1993 live-action film of the same name. This makes it pretty unique among anime movies — the vast majority of which are either completely original stories or are adapted from some other source such as manga, video games, or traditional folklore. 

Critics were initially lukewarm on it, but it was a hit with audiences and was later nominated for both a Japan Academy Film Prize Award and a Crunchyroll Anime Award. "Fireworks" tells the story of a boy named Norimichi (Masaki Suda) who finds a ball that allows him to turn back time and redo past decisions — however, he ultimately learns that each attempt to redo a mistake just leads to a whole bunch of new problems. Along the way, he attempts to connect with his classmate Nazuna (Suzu Hirose). But this is complicated by another boy named Yusuke (Mamoru Miyano), who also has feelings for Nazuna and isn't willing to let her go without a fight. 

Through its love triangle dynamic, "Fireworks" offers a great representation of the missteps that teenagers make as they try to form a bond with another person for the first time — while they're also still trying to figure out who they are themselves.

29. I've Always Liked You (2016)

Romantic anime movies aren't completely immune to the familiar rom-com tropes, and "I've Always Liked You" is built on the type of silly misunderstanding that forms the basis of so many of the movies we know and love. High school student Natsuki (Haruka Tomatsu) has had feelings for her friend, Yu (Hiroshi Kamiya), for a long time and has been trying to muster up the courage to tell him so. She finally gets it out one day, but immediately backpedals and tells Yu that she was actually just practicing how she'd confess her feelings for a guy she truly did like. So Yu — being a good and loyal friend — decides to help Natsuki find that guy, not realizing it's actually him. 

The perhaps unsurprising twist in this story is that Yu feels the same way, but he also struggles with sharing his feelings and keeps them to himself — something that is further repressed when he thinks Natsuki likes someone else. While all of this is going on, another boy at the school — Koyuki (Tsubasa Yonaga) — also has feelings for Natsuki and is trying to summon his own confession courage. It all admittedly sounds a bit corny and the story beats are rarely surprising, but "I've Always Liked You" is an incredibly sweet and funny film that overcomes its clichés with sharp writing and great characters.

28. Ocean Waves (1993)

"Ocean Waves" is another unique effort from Studio Ghibli in that it was a made-for-television film that aired on Nippon TV. It was something of a trial run for the then-younger generation of Studio Ghibli and its collaborators, seeing what they could do without the guiding hand of Hayao Miyazaki or Isao Takahata and with the limited budget of a small-screen production. The results do lack some of the visual splendor and the impeccable polish of a typical Ghibli work, but "Ocean Waves" is still more than worthy of the studio's legacy.

The story follows two high school boys — Taku (Nobuo Tobita) and Yutaka (Toshihiko Seki) — who both become interested in Rikako (Yoko Sakamoto) and have to navigate the way that complicates their friendship. Fortunately, what seems like a tale that's been told a million times is still made fresh by its well-formed characters, sharp writing, and the way the story doesn't go in the obvious directions — particularly how its version of a "happily ever after" isn't necessarily what you might expect. 

It's hard to say whether it would've been a better movie if it had been given the full Ghibli treatment and budget, but for what it's worth, what "Ocean Waves" does end up being is something wholly special, in part because it's not typical Ghibli.

27. Hello World (2019)

"Hello World" takes place in a near-future Kyoto and is about two introverted teenagers who bond over their love of reading, but whose shyness has prevented them from taking their friendship to the next level. One of them, Naomi (Takumi Kitamura), is visited by his 10-years-in-the-future self (voiced by Tori Matsuzaka) to warn him that something tragic befalls the girl, Ruri (Minami Hamabe), shortly after their romance finally begins. Future Naomi and present-day Naomi begin planning ways to prevent the tragedy and change the future, while also helping to progress his romance with Ruri.

The best time travel movies often have a romance at the center — and more specifically, one where time travel must be used to prevent something bad from happening to someone's partner. But the way this is tackled in "Hello World" — with the present and future versions of Naomi working together — is unique, and the plot goes in a lot of interesting and unusual directions toward its surprising conclusion. For fans of hybrid sci-fi and romance stories, "Hello World" is well worth a watch.

26. Hal (2013)

"Hal" was the first full-length film to come out of Wit Studio, the company behind the wildly popular anime adaptation of the dark fantasy manga "Attack on Titan." The film gave the studio the chance to prove they're every bit as capable of tackling the sci-fi genre. The story imagines a technologically advanced world where humanoid robots have been integrated into society as humanity's helpers. After the loss of her boyfriend to a terrible mid-air plane explosion, Kurumi (Yōko Hikasa) is plunged into a deep state of depression, unable to even sleep or eat — let alone smile. To bring her back from despair, a robot (Yoshimasa Hosoya) is given Hal's appearance and sent to her aid.

Told from the perspective of Hal, this movie is an emotional look at love from the end of the story through the lens of grief. The film's sci-fi elements lend a fantastical atmosphere to the storytelling, but they aren't integral to the tale, which is more about the psychological aspects of loss after love. A dramatic and deftly pulled-off plot twist shows just how deep that kind of grief can go. At only an hour long, "Hal" is a bit on the shorter side.

25. A Whisker Away (2020)

In "A Whisker Away," a young girl named Miyo (Mirai Shida) is crushing hard on a boy named Kento (Natsuki Hanae) and tries her best to woo him even as he rebuffs her at every turn. One day, Miyo discovers a mask that allows her to transform into a cat — and naturally, one of the first things she does is approach Kento in her cat form. Kento quickly bonds with the cat, and in this way, Miyo is able to spend time with Kento and get the affection she always wanted from him. However, Kento doesn't know Miyo is the cat, and Miyo wants to have a real, human relationship with Kento. So she needs to decide if it's worth the risk of revealing the truth to him, with the possibility that he'll not only reject her again but also not want to spend time with her as a cat anymore.

It's an extremely sweet story — one that definitely skews a little younger — but that doesn't mean that adults won't be charmed by it as well. In fact, adults probably understand better than kids do just how strong of a bond people can develop with animals, and how sometimes it's easier to open up to animals as they don't judge you and their affection is much more unconditional. "A Whisker Away" feels like a Studio Ghibli film in a lot of ways, and that's definitely intended to be a huge compliment.

24. Ride Your Wave (2019)

Directed by Masaaki Yuasa — who also directed "The Night is Short, Walk on Girl" — 2019's "Ride Your Wave" proves that he is able to apply his highly visual and reality-stretching approach to storytelling to a more traditional — and arguably more mainstream — love story.

That being said, there are still some fantastical and unique elements to "Ride Your Wave" that make it anything but ordinary. Hinako (Rina Kawaei) is a surfer girl who begins dating handsome firefighter Minato (Ryota Katayose). However, their happiness is short-lived after Minato dies rescuing a jetskier — only to discover that he is seemingly able to live on but exclusively underwater. Revealing himself every time Hinako sings the song they used to sing together, Minato remains part of her life, but eventually, they might have to learn to let each other go.

While still a fantasy, "Ride Your Wave" has a realistic approach to romance, giving it a slight edge over Yuasa's other films and making it one of the best romantic movies in recent memory — anime or otherwise.

23. Words Bubble Up Like Soda Pop (2021)

While a lot of romantic movies are about the beginning of a presumably long-lasting relationship, many just tell the story of a single, magical summer — and that's the approach that "Words Bubble Up Like Soda Pop" takes. The story follows a shy boy nicknamed Cherry (Ichikawa Somegoro) — who only knows how to properly express himself via haiku — and a girl who calls herself Smile (Hana Sugisaki) who is trying to be an online personality spreading a message of positivity but wears a mask because she's self-conscious about her teeth.

Cherry and Smile find themselves working at the same elderly care facility one summer and bond over trying to help Fujiyama (Koichi Yamadera) — one of the people at the facility — to try and find a specific record at the vintage music shop he owns. The two, along with some friends, go on a journey full of music and self-discovery, learning to overcome their respective insecurities. It's an incredibly charming film that paints a wonderful portrait of those magical summers when people share a deeply meaningful, if ultimately fleeting, connection with another person that changes them forever.

22. The Place Promised in Our Early Days (2004)

"The Place Promised in Our Early Days" was the first feature-length film written and directed by Makoto Shinkai, who would quickly make a name for himself in the romance anime movie genre with his subsequent projects. He may be the most prolific filmmaker currently working in this particular genre — and he seems to only just be getting started.

Here, Shinkai tells a story set in an alternate post-war Japan that follows three teenagers — Hiroki (Hidetaka Yoshioka), Takuya (Masato Hagiwara), and Sayuri (Yūka Nanri) — as they try to build an airplane that'll allow them to visit a mysterious tower. Hiroki and Takuya both have feelings for Sayuri, but in a refreshing twist, there isn't a competition or rivalry between the boys for Sayuri's affection. The three of them make peace with their complicated situation and largely put it aside so they can all remain friends — not to mention focus on accomplishing the aforementioned task at hand which, of course, does not go off without some serious hitches. Beautifully animated, "The Place Promised in Our Early Days" is the perfect blend of romance and fantasy — a trend that has continued throughout Shinkai's films.

21. Tamako Love Story (2014)

In the mundane of the adult world, it's easy to forget the drama and big feelings of dealing with the overwhelming emotions of young love for the first time. When that love is unspoken or unrequited, those feelings can be heavy and consuming. Exploring the process by which young souls move through those difficult days is the preoccupation of "Tamako Love Story," a follow-up film to the anime series "Tamako Market."

The film follows Tamako (Aya Suzaki) and her Baton Club friends from the series, all now high school seniors looking toward the next stage of their lives. When Mochizō (Atsushi Tamaru) decides to tell his best friend from childhood Tamako that he's in love with her, the homeostasis of their little world is thrown askew as she begins to explore her own feelings toward the friend she's known all her life. A pretty straightforward film about the beauty and pain of first love, this film is more about feelings than plot — but fans say that's perfectly fine with them.

Praising the natural way the friendship between these two friends evolves into love, IMDb user Frank_Strk wrote, "An incredible work by Japanese animation, which shows the flowering of an innocent love between two childhood friends."

20. The Anthem of the Heart (2015)

"The Anthem of the Heart" focuses on a girl named Jun (Inori Minase), who unknowingly exposes her father's affair and is subsequently blamed for the damage that the revelation does to the family. Not knowing any better, she comes to believe that it truly was her words that caused so much pain and ends up essentially wishing a magical curse on herself that renders her unable to talk — which she believes is best for everyone. But is the curse real, or is it just her way of excusing herself from talking and not risking having to hurt anyone with her words ever again?

Jun goes on a journey of self-discovery that helps her to forgive and grant herself permission to speak again, aided by her newfound love of music and a budding friendship with a classmate named Takumi (Kōki Uchiyama). It's the kind of beautiful story that wouldn't have been as effectively told in any other medium, best summarized by Zac Bertschy for Anime News Network who said, "Every now and then you've got to stop and recognize the truly unique things about anime that are still true — like the fact that it tells stories with animation that no one else does."

19. Patema Inverted (2013)

In a similar vein to the Upside Down in "Stranger Things," 2013's "Patema Inverted" plays with the idea of a real and alternate world. Patema (Yukiyo Fujii) is a girl who comes from an underground civilization and finds herself on the surface — where gravity is reversed from what she knows. She immediately begins to fall into the sky before being rescued by surface-dweller Eiji (Nobuhiko Okamoto). Eiji helps Patema stay grounded, despite his society teaching him that the people from her world are evil and that the sky "swallows" them as punishment for their sins.

It's the familiar "Romeo and Juliet" trope — two lovers who are part of warring sides — but told in a genuinely unique way. As well as the narrow-minded views of those around them, gravity itself is trying to pull Patema and Eiji apart, and forcing them to find ways to overcome the obstacles that stand in the way of their budding relationship. "Patema Inverted" touches on classism and bigotry in really effective ways as it tells its heartwarming, sci-fi-tinged love story, and there are more than a few twists that you'll never see coming.

18. Summer Wars (2009)

The virtual world — and the unique form of escapism it offers — frequently crops up in film, television, and games — even spreading to the real world of fanciful billionaires like Facebook creator Mark Zuckerberg. Of course, it also appears in anime with shows like "Sword Art Online" and in the 2009 film "Summer Wars." In the film, society is infatuated with a virtual world called "OZ." One of OZ's moderators is a boy named Kenji (Ryunosuke Kamiki), a math whiz who is challenged by a stranger to solve a complicated puzzle. In successfully doing so, he inadvertently teaches the AI behind OZ the formula that will help it take over the real world.

While that serves as the primary conflict for "Summer Wars," there is also a romantic subplot involving a girl named Natsuki (Nanami Sakuraba) who has "hired" Kenji to accompany her to a family gathering and pose as her fiancé. The twist is Kenji already had a crush on Natsuki, so things get complicated quickly. While it might sound like a lot is going on here, "Summer Wars" is a fun, breezy, and easy-to-watch adventure. It was even named one of the best anime movies of all time by Empire , placed above such classics as "Princess Mononoke" and "Perfect Blue."

17. Clannad (2007)

Legendary anime writer and director Osamu Dezaki was part of the first generation of anime creators, starting out as an animator and episode director for the pioneering series "Astro Boy" in the '60s. His storied career also included work on franchises such as "Lupin the 3rd," "Golgo 13," "Hamtaro," and "Clannad" — the last of which would be his final film credit before his death in 2011. It was definitely a great way to cap off a hugely varied career, as the "Clannad" film is a bona fide anime classic.

While the "Clannad" franchise began as visual novel video games — and has since spun off into other films and series — the 2007 movie is arguably the cornerstone of the entire brand. It's the story of a high school boy named Tomoya (Kenji Nojima) who is going through the motions in school and life while generally feeling aimless. That is until he meets an intriguing girl named Nagisa (Mai Nakahara), who has expressed an interest in reviving the school's dormant drama club. Seizing his opportunity to impress her, Tomoyo decides to breathe some life into the club, and in doing so he also rekindles the fire of his own life and finally finds meaning in it again.

16. The Garden of Words (2013)

Takao (Miyu Irino) is a 15-year-old student and aspiring shoemaker who promises to make a pair of shoes for Yukari (Kana Hanazawa), a 27-year-old teacher. Although their rainy morning meet-ups are warm and friendly, they never exchange formal introductions and know relatively little about each other.

The two eventually find out the truth about one another and spend an afternoon together, at which point Takao tells Yukari he loves her. Pointing out their age difference and the fact that she's a teacher, she tells him they don't have a romantic future together. They part ways, but it is revealed that they keep in touch via email and eventually reunite several years later — with Takao finally giving Yukari the shoes he made for her. 

Despite the age difference between the characters being problematic, "The Garden of Words" approaches this maturely, and while there are obvious romantic intentions from Takao, what we mostly see are two people connecting at a point in their lives when they need it the most.

15. From Up on Poppy Hill

It wouldn't be a list of anime films without the presence of Studio Ghibli . "From Up on Poppy Hill" was the first direct collaboration between the legendary Hayao Miyazaki and his son, Goro Miyazaki. Hayao co-wrote the screenplay, and Goro directed the film, signifying a passing of the baton of sorts — although Hayao Miyazaki has come in and out of retirement many times since. Despite its positive critical reception, "From Up on Poppy Hill" remains one of the more underrated Studio Ghibli films, but it deserves more credit — particularly as a love story.

Two teens — Shun (Junichi Okada) and Umi (Masami Nagasawa) — are part of a group trying to prevent a beloved building from being demolished to make way for construction for the upcoming Olympics. The two quickly develop feelings for each other — particularly as Umi helps orphan Shun find out more about his past and his family — and the journey ends up connecting them in ways they never could've imagined. While it isn't on the same level as films like "Spirited Away," "From Up on Poppy Hill" is still an excellent film that a lot more people need to check out.

14. 5 Centimeters per Second (2007)

While it sits somewhere in the middle of Makoto Shinkai's work, quality-wise, being the middle child is nothing to be ashamed of for "5 Centimeters per Second" as it is still an exquisitely beautiful anime film. Following the theme of his other works, Shinkai once again addresses the highs and lows of long-distance relationships. Across three chapters, "5 Centimeters per Second" follows Takaki (Kenji Mizuhashi) and his relationships with two girls — Akari (voiced by Yoshimi Kondo and Ayaka Onouei) and Kanae (Satomi Hanamura). 

While Kanae tries in vain to win Takaki's affection in the second chapter, his heart lies with Akari, but the former childhood sweethearts have drifted apart over the years and largely have to settle on memories and dreams of each other. Rather than accept the fact they won't be together and move on, both Takaki and Akari choose to live their lives forever pining for the one that got away. It's definitely not the happiest of love stories, but it's one that is no doubt familiar to many. Perhaps the highest praise it could've received came from Mark Shilling of The Japan Times , who proclaimed Shinkai as already having eclipsed Hayao Miyazaki in how he reveals the "poignant, evanescent beauty most of us notice only in rare moments."

13. The Night is Short, Walk on Girl (2017)

A lot of movies purport to take place within a single day or night, and it often feels like a stretch that so much could possibly happen in such a short time frame. In the case of the wildly inventive "The Night is Short, Walk on Girl," the concept of an impossibly long evening is deliberately subverted as this one night seems to go on for weeks. 

The two leads of the movie are never named and are loosely referred to as "Senior" (Gen Hoshino) and "The Girl with Black Hair" (Kana Hanazawa). Senior has eyes on The Girl and tries to set it up so the two of them "accidentally" cross paths so he can talk to her, but one thing after another keeps getting in the way. While Senior tries to locate a book The Girl enjoyed as a child to eventually bring them together, The Girl is having a seriously wild night — punching a guy making unwelcome advances, and winning a drinking contest against a magical being. 

"The Night is Short, Walk on Girl" does have a bit of "manic pixie dream girl" syndrome going on, but it embraces it to such an extreme that it doesn't feel like a trope here. This might be the most creatively ambitious film on this list and is one of a handful that absolutely would not work in any other medium except for anime.

12. Weathering with You (2019)

Perhaps inspired by "The Garden of Words," Makoto Shinkai revisits a budding love story during a rainy season in "Weathering with You." It focuses on a runaway named Hodaka (Kotaro Daigo) and an orphan girl named Hina (Nana Mori), both struggling with the seemingly never-ending rains that have been drenching Tokyo. After Hodaka helps Hina out of a dangerous situation, the two decide to run away together.

Later, Hodaka learns of Hina's power to make the sun shine and encourages her to use her power for good and to help people. But the terrible price of her power is eventually revealed, and the movie begins to move in a more magical direction that would be a shame to spoil here. All we'll say is that it's an incredible film, and at the heart of it is a wonderful and heartbreaking romance between Hodaka and Hina. It was a massive hit in Japan — making it into the top 15 of the country's all-time highest-grossing movies – as well as taking more than $193 million worldwide.

11. Josee, the Tiger and the Fish (2020)

"Josee, the Tiger and the Fish" is an intriguingly named anime film that sees a marine biology student named Tsuneo (Taishi Nakagawa) trying to scrape together enough money from various part-time jobs to study abroad. He soon finds himself crossing paths with a girl named Kumiko (Kaya Kiyohara) — though she prefers to be called "Josee" — who is wheelchair-bound and in need of a caretaker. Tsuneo is initially reluctant as he finds Josee abrasive and hard to get along with, but when he realizes that it's a great way for him to make some more cash, he agrees.

While it's rough going to begin with — and Tsuneo even considers quitting — he soon finds that he and Josee have a shared desire to travel and see the world. Their professional arrangement soon becomes a friendship and, eventually, a romance as the two realize that seeing the world together is what they truly want. "Josee, the Tiger and the Fish" is an achingly heartwarming story that, most crucially, never panders in terms of Josee's physical challenges. The way the film handles this is a tonic, and it makes it impossible not to fall in love with it.

10. Only Yesterday (1991)

Studio Ghibli's 1991 film "Only Yesterday" focuses on a city girl named Taeko (Miki Imai) who tires of the hustle and bustle of Tokyo and decides to visit her farming family in the country. Believing the fresh air and peace and quiet will do her some good, she reconnects with her relatives and gets to know more about them. While there, she also strikes up a friendship with her brother-in-law's farmer cousin named Toshio (Toshiro Yanagiba).

While we don't actually see a relationship between Taeko and Toshio officially begin over the course of the movie, the seeds are definitely being planted, and he no doubt ends up being a major factor in her ultimately deciding that she's ready to leave the city life behind permanently. With an English dub unavailable until the film's 25th anniversary, writer and director Isao Takahata lived just long enough to see "Only Yesterday" discovered by a whole new audience before he died in 2018.

9. The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (2006)

From Mamoru Hosoda — the same director as "Summer Wars" and 2018's Oscar-nominated "Mirai" — "The Girl Who Leapt Through Time" is a highly imaginative romantic comedy-drama that establishes Hosoda as a force to be reckoned with in the anime world. The story focuses on Makoto (Riisa Naka), who finds herself with the ability to time travel. As most 17-year-olds would, she initially uses it for frivolous reasons like retaking failed tests at school and reliving fun evenings over and over again. However, she soon realizes that every time she alters the past for her own benefit, it ends up leading to negative consequences for others.

Forced to wrestle with the idea that her powers can do more harm than good, things come to a head when Makoto starts using her time jump ability to prevent her friend Chiaki (Takuya Ishida) from confessing his love for her — leaving the two becoming entangled in ways they never expected. "The Girl Who Leapt Through Time" is a really inventive love story, and as well as one of the best anime films, it also deserves to be in the discussion of all-time great time travel movies.

8. The Wind Rises (2013)

Seeing Hayao Miyazaki's name on a Studio Ghibli film is an instant mark of quality, and "The Wind Rises" is among the ones he both wrote and directed. But what makes "The Wind Rises" unique is that it's actually something of a biopic about several real-life engineers and aircraft designers who helped to create some of the aircraft that the Imperial Navy and other military forces used during World War II.

While it finds inspiration in truth, it is a very fictionalized account of the lives and work of Jiro Horikoshi, Kiro Honjo, and Giovanni Battista Caproni (voiced by Hideaki Anno, Hidetoshi Nishijima, and Nomura Mansai respectively) and it takes a lot of liberties for the sake of telling a compelling story. Perhaps the most significant of these is the fabrication of a woman named Naoko Satomi (Miori Takimoto), who ends up as the wife of Jiro in the movie, and their romance becomes one of the driving forces of the entire film. 

Essentially, it's a fictional love story that loosely borrows some real-life names and events as a backdrop, but it's an incredibly endearing one. It's a formula that many movies try, but with "The Wind Rises" also utilizing Miyazaki's much-publicized love of planes and flight, the results are enchanting.

7. Millennium Actress (2001)

Of all the films on this list, "Millennium Actress" is the one that probably stretches the definition of romance anime the furthest. In some ways, the love story of the movie encompasses visionary filmmaker Satoshi Kon's love of cinema – using the framework of a retired actress reliving her storied career to move through the various eras of Japanese film history. Like most Kon movies, fantasy and reality are soon blurred, and Chiyoko (the actress, voiced by Mami Koyama) is somehow also relaying parts of her career that took place not only in ancient Japan but also in the future. 

In addition, there is an underlying story of unrequited love between Chiyoko and an anti-war artist she met briefly as a teenager who gave her a mysterious key that she has held onto for her entire life. Because it is a Kon movie, there are layers upon layers of meaning in every scene of "Millennium Actress." He was never going to make a traditional romance movie, and this is the closest he was ever going to get — managing to be both exactly what you would expect, and completely unexpected at the same time.

6. To the Forest of Firefly Lights (2011)

With Hotaru (Ayane Sakura) — the female lead of "To the Forest of Firefly Lights" — being only 6 years old at the start of the film, it might seem unusual to call it a "romance" movie. But the truth is, some people do start feeling genuine connections with others at that age — even if that connection is entirely innocent and platonic. The way this film approaches this is actually very sweet, and it can be argued that it would be hard to do it as effectively in any other medium besides anime.

The boy Hotaru connects with, Gin (Koki Uchiyama), has a curse on him that prevents him from making physical contact with another human being. Doomed to disappear if he does make contact, Gin and Hotaru spend time together and enjoy each other's company without any need for physicality. Of course, as the years go by and they get older, that becomes more difficult and less realistic, and the pair have to see if their relationship has a future despite this major barrier. "To the Forest of Firefly Lights" is ultimately a bittersweet but beautifully told tale of waiting and longing that you'll be thinking about long after it's over.

5. Whisper of the Heart (1995)

Despite there being a lot of general romanticism in many Studio Ghibli movies, the company actually doesn't tell traditional love stories very often. One of the few that is more-or-less a straightforward romantic drama is "Whisper of the Heart." The film was written by Hayao Miyazaki but directed by Yoshifumi Kondo, who was primed to transition into being the new creative head of the studio once Miyazaki and Isao Takahata retired. Sadly, he would never get the chance as he passed away three years after the release of "Whisper of the Heart."

The film follows a book-obsessed young girl named Shizuku (Yoko Honna) who begins to notice that every book she borrows from the library has previously been read by someone named Seiji Amasawa (Issei Takahashi). She decides to look for the boy, certain that the two will have a lot in common. But the journey ends up taking some surprising turns that involve a giant, talking cat person — it is still a Studio Ghibli movie, after all. So beloved is "Whisper of the Heart" that it spawned the only direct spin-off movie Ghibli has done so far with "The Cat Returns" in 2002.

4. I Want to Eat Your Pancreas (2018)

To address the elephant in the room immediately, the title of this movie is certainly an attention-grabber, and it doesn't immediately strike you as being romantic in nature. While it's easy to make all kinds of wild assumptions about an anime with such a title, it is so named for an extremely heartbreaking reason. "I Want to Eat Your Pancreas" focuses on a high school girl, Sakura (Lynn), who is suffering from a terminal pancreatic illness. She meets a new friend (Mahiro Takasugi) — who goes unnamed for most of the movie — and loves that he doesn't pity her or act sad around her. Instead, he just wants to enjoy her company as if she wasn't dying.

The two spend her remaining days together, and we watch them do the best they can do to act as if they are just two normal teenagers hanging out and falling in love. The sadness that underpins their time together is obviously impossible to completely put out of your mind as you watch, but you'll be surprised just how much you're willing to go along with it and enjoy them relishing each moment they have together. Writing for Starburst Magazine, James Perkins said it best when he said that the movie is "devastatingly beautiful" and a "gut-punch of a romantic drama." You have been warned: you'll need to have an entire box of tissues ready for this one.

3. Howl's Moving Castle (2004)

Hayao Miyazaki is a reclusive man who likes to bury himself in his work, and he doesn't give a lot of interviews or talk at great length about his films. So when he let slip that his favorite movie that he ever worked on is "Howl's Moving Castle," it's a declaration that should not be taken lightly as he is obviously very careful about what he shares with the world. 

Needless to say, you can ask 10 different people their favorite Studio Ghibli movie and get 10 equally valid answers, but "Howl's Moving Castle" makes a strong case for being the company's best love story. It echoes "The Wizard of Oz" in several obvious ways — including having a character known as the Witch of the Waste — but in this case, the wizard (Howl, voiced by Takuya Kimura) actually does have magic powers, isn't cruel, and ends up romantically entangled with the movie's Dorothy stand-in (Sophie, voiced by Chieko Baisho). The two go on a magical journey accompanied by other pals — including the scarecrow-esque Turnip Head (Yo Oizumi) — as they try to break Sophie of the curse that has transformed her into a 90-year-old woman. Proving to be a hit with audiences and critics, "Howl's Moving Castle" earned Miyazaki an Academy Award nomination for best animated feature film.

2. A Silent Voice (2016)

The shiniest of hidden gems, "A Silent Voice" is about a boy named Shoya (Miyu Irino) who quickly begins to tease Shoko (Saori Hayami) — a deaf transfer student — which encourages most of their classmates to join in. However, when Shoko's mother confronts the school about her daughter being bullied, Shoya is thrown under the bus and becomes the scapegoat for all of the torment that Shoko has received. Things get even worse after Shoko moves on to a different school, as the student body continues to shun Shoya in lieu of taking any responsibility for their own cruelty.

Years later, a high school-age Shoya remains internally tormented for how he treated Shoko and tries to find her in order to make amends. What started as a simple attempt to provide closure for himself and healing for Shoko takes a surprising turn when a romance blossoms between the two. Beyond "A Silent Voice" addressing bullying in a powerful and realistic way, it also tells one of the most well-written and fully-formed love stories in the history of anime.

1. Your Name (2016)

We doubt anyone would be surprised to see "Your Name" at the top of this list. Not only is it Makoto Shinkai's best movie, and one of the best anime movies of all time , but it's one of the biggest movies in Japanese history, making more than $357 million at the box office.

It would be just as easy to list all the accolades "Your Name" has received and records it has broken, but none of that gets to the heart of why it is the best romantic anime movie ever. It's the story of two high schoolers — a country girl named Mitsuha (Mone Kamishiraishi) who dreams of being a city boy, and a boy named Taki (Ryunosuke Kamiki) who lives in Tokyo. When they wake up one morning to find they have swapped bodies and lives, they try to find each other while also attempting to deal with the strange occurrence. Romance tinged with fantasy is what Makoto Shinkai does best, and "Your Name" feels like the realization of all the ideas demonstrated in his previous features and shorts. 

It is an undeniably ambitious premise — and one that could have so easily failed — but "Your Name" completely exceeds all expectations. It's easy to write off a movie this beloved and highly acclaimed as "overrated," but "Your Name" deserves every ounce of praise it has had heaped upon it.

12 Best Romance Movies That Incorporate Time Travel, Ranked

People will do anything for love.

Who would've thought that manipulating time would forge some of the great love stories? Whether it's found within the chivalry of the gentlemanly past or the future of civilization, cinema has shown that love has no bounds – even if it means traveling through time to get it. Where it may be a common trope for the sci-fi genre, romance flicks have also surprisingly used it to their advantage.

From classic rom-coms like 13 Going on 30 and The Lake House , to more hidden gems like If Only – these movies use the phenomenon of time travel to intertwine greater levels of fantasy and magic . Not only does this increase the overall cinematic experience, but these time travel romance movies also make the love stories incredibly epic.

12 '13 Going on 30' (2004)

Director: gary winick.

After being humiliated on her 13th birthday, Jenna Rink ( Christa B. Allen ) wishes to escape her life of pre-teen unpopularity and become a well-adjusted grownup in this time travel rom-com. She's shocked when she wakes up to find her wish has come true; somehow Jenna ( Jennifer Garner ) is now 30 and living in 2004. Soon she realizes how adulthood has its own set of struggles – one particularly being her love life.

As an iconic 2000s rom-com , 13 Going on 30 has warmed fans' hearts for decades. Largely driven by Garner's bubbly innocence, Jenna's connection with Matt (Mark Ruffalo) is undeniably pure and one of the great depictions of friends-to-lovers. This movie also uses time travel to put forth the message of how time is precious; by choosing to only look towards the future, one would never absorb the milestones of the present.

13 Going on 30

Watch on Netflix

11 'When We First Met' (2018)

Director: ari sandel.

Having been friend-zoned by the girl of his dreams after meeting her at a Halloween party, Noah ( Adam DeVine ) remains close to Avery ( Alexandra Daddario ). Three years later, she's now engaged to someone else. Suddenly, Noah stumbles on the opportunity to travel back in time to the moment they met, giving him the chance to alter his life, and get the girl.

In an almost Groundhog Day scenario (and it's worth noting that film is a benchmark for romantic time-travel movie), When We First Met is a humorous film that's filled with charm and charisma thanks to the talents of the cast , especially in the case of DeVine. Where the romantic connection is present between characters, it isn't with whom you'd naturally expect as this is a classic tale that teaches audiences that everything happens for a reason.

When We First Met

10 'kate & leopold' (2001), director: james mangold.

Kate ( Meg Ryan ) is a 21st-century woman who's determined to focus on her career. She thinks she doesn't need romance in her life at all, that is until she meets Leopold ( Hugh Jackman ), an English Duke from the 19th century who's accidentally brought to the future via a portal made by her ex-boyfriend, Stuart ( Liev Schreiber ).

Where Kate & Leopold may be cheesy at times with the classic fish-out-of-water tropes, this movie is an underrated feel-good romance that will easily keep one warm and cozy. Don't expect it to be anything groundbreaking, but it's perfect for a chill night that needs a film that's mildly entertaining. With the script's quick wit and fun character dynamics, this twisted modern-day fairytale shows how love doesn't always come to us in the most expected ways.

Rent on Apple TV

9 'The Lake House' (2006)

Director: alejandro agresti.

As lonely doctor, Kate Forster ( Sandra Bullock ), moves out of her beloved lake house, she begins to exchange letters with its newest resident, a frustrated architect named Alex Wyler ( Keanu Reeves ). The two instantly spark a connection and form a budding romance. The only problem – she's living in the year 2006, whereas he's in 2004.

An epic love story where two are separated by time, this romantic flick is special in the way that it portrays the simplicities of intimacy. With only the written word to connect, Kate and Alex's closeness is unlike any other in The Lake House . It's also refreshing to see Keanu Reeves in a non-action role , which he pulls off with ease. The two main characters need not rely on physical attraction or physical needs, they're brought together by a deeper connection – one built on stories, soul, and emotions.

The Lake House

8 'if only' (2004), director: gil junger.

Struck with grief after the sudden loss of his girlfriend Samantha ( Jennifer Love Hewitt ), Ian ( Paul Nicholls ) is given the opportunity to relive the day she died and rewrite his wrongdoings. The repetition of time allows him to become a better partner and fix things before the impending tragedy, but it also brings some unexpected pain as he relives the best and worst moments of his relationship.

Despite being an emotional and bittersweet tale, If Only is filled with hope and true love. It sends a message to viewers about how important it is to treasure every moment, every milestone, and to treat every day as if it were your last. It's not an innovative concept by any stretch, but with the palpable chemistry between Hewitt and Nicholls, fans will be moved by their devotion towards each other, even until the film's final bittersweet twist .

Watch on Peacock

7 'The Time Traveler's Wife' (2009)

Director: robert schwentke.

Henry Detamble ( Eric Bana ) is a librarian from Chicago who struggles with his rare genetic disorder that causes him to randomly travel through time, uncontrollably. His life becomes more complex when he meets and marries the love of his life, Claire ( Rachel McAdams ), as she must now learn to cope with her husband's condition.

An interesting spin on star-crossed lovers, The Time Traveler's Wife captures the struggles of fated love. Where Henry and Claire's story is romantic and tender, it's also incredibly bittersweet. With Henry's condition, fans (as well as Claire) are never sure of when he'll disappear. So when he does on occasions like their wedding, the heartbreak and tension are palpable. Their love story may be unconventional, but there's beauty to it.

The Time Traveler's Wife

6 'somewhere in time' (1980), director: jeannot szwarc.

Enamored and infatuated by a vintage portrait that hangs in a grand hotel, playwright Richard Collier ( Christopher Reeve ) finds a way to travel through time to 1912 to meet Elise McKenna ( Jane Seymour ), a stage actor. Where the two seem destined to be together, conflicts arise when Elise's obsessive manager, William ( Christopher Plummer ), tries to stop them.

A great movie that's severely slept on, Somewhere in Time tells the story of an unworldly and impossible love. With a brilliant concept and beautiful chemistry between Reeves and Seymour , this movie is one for the romantics and dreamers. It shows the sheer lengths someone is willing to go to find their soulmate – even if it means going through time itself.

Watch on Tubi

5 'Back to the Future Part III' (1990)

Director: robert zemeckis.

As the third and final chapter to their adventures, Marty McFly ( Michael J. Fox ) must travel back in time to 1885 to the Old West to save his friend, Doctor Emmett Brown ( Christopher Lloyd ), from his impending murder. Matters become more complicated when Marty realizes that Doc has fallen deeply in love with local school teacher, Clara Clayton ( Mary Steenburgen ).

Though not a typical romance movie, Back to the Future Part III , is a film spearheaded by the themes of love. Where there are romantic storylines in the previous installments, Doc and Clara's is a breath of fresh air – mostly because Doc is a character that's so determined to avoid the supposed banalities of love. And yet, here he is, willing to be stuck in a foreign time period for the sake of love, happiness, and true companionship.

4 'The Girl Who Leapt Through Time' (2006)

Director: mamoru hosoda.

A popular anime movie for beginners , The Girl Who Leapt Through Time tells the story of Makoto Konno (voiced by Riisa Naka ), who learns that she has the ability to time travel. She soon uses her newfound power to fix the small things in her daily life, from schoolwork to friendships. When she meets another person who can time travel, the two develop an unconventional bond.

Chiaki Mamiya (voiced by Takuya Ishida ) helps the protagonist realize and fix the consequences of messing with time, but soon reveals something heartbreaking to her. Their romance is complicated by the fact that Chiaki isn't from Makoto's present day, and eventually has to leave. The Girl Who Leapt Through Time will have fans rooting for the time-traveling duo's success until the tear-jerking end.

3 'Midnight in Paris' (2011)

Director: woody allen.

Whilst on a holiday in Paris with his fiancé and her family, Gil Pender ( Owen Wilson ) – a screenwriter and aspiring author – develops a habit of touring the city alone. One night he finds himself swept back in time to the 1920s where he meets his favorite cultural and artistic icons. By experiencing life in the past, he is forced to confront his dissatisfactions with the present.

As a romance movie, Midnight in Paris offers multiple romantic interests, each with its own qualities and individual purposes. From Inez's (McAdams) 21st-century realism, to Adriana's ( Marion Cotillard ) 1920s romanticized attitude to life, Gil is forced to reflect on what kind of love will give him true happiness. He'll even come to terms with the dangers of escapism. It's a severely underrated Owen Wilson movie , with the actor's performance being a delicate and moving one that anchors the entire story.

Midnight in Paris

While on a trip to Paris with his fiancée's family, a nostalgic screenwriter finds himself mysteriously going back to the 1920s every day at midnight.

2 'About Time' (2013)

Director: richard curtis.

Life changed forever when Tim Lake ( Domhnall Gleeson ) turned 21 as his father revealed an odd hereditary trait; all the men in their family have the ability to time travel. Though initially shocked, Tim decides to use his skill to alter his past to improve his future. His main goal – bolster his love life and win the heart of Mary (Rachel McAdams). He soon realizes that his power can have serious consequences if used incorrectly.

With a clever concept, a beautiful script, and a great cast, this poignant movie is one that masterfully tackles the topics of love, redemption, and loss. Where Gleeson and McAdams' chemistry is incredibly sweet, About Time is a movie about more than a simple romantic story . It uses time to talk about the importance of living in the moment and the consequences of one's choices. Viewers can expect its small-scale intimate story to move most to tears.

1 'Your Name' (2016)

Director: makoto shinkai.

Your Name is a massively popular and beloved anime film that blends fantasy, romance, and sci-fi together. It tells the story of two high school students – Taki Tachibana (voiced by Ryunosuke Kamiki ) and Mitsuha Miyamizu ( Mone Kamishiraishi ) – who inexplicably begin to swap bodies. The two characters have never met, but begin to improve each other's lives. Before they know it, they slowly fall in love in the process of learning about each other's realities.

It's impossible to talk about the time travel aspect of Your Name without completely spoiling the plot , but audiences who enjoy emotional animated films should consider this essential viewing for its notoriously tear-jerking twist. The gorgeous visuals and heartbreakingly romantic story easily make it the best film to show the potential of combining love and time travel in film.

Your Name (2016)

Watch on Criterion

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Top 20 Best Time Travel Anime Series & Movies

Here’s a question: what’s your favorite time travel anime? Are there even enough good titles in this sci-fi subgenre?

It isn’t filled to the brim each season unlike with the case of isekai titles, but it’s not impossible to find some great ones.

If you’re in the mood for some mind-boggling twists and turns (or even minor time travel elements in an otherwise typical anime) check out my list below.

And fair warning: spoilers ahead(in some cases). Some titles here have time travel itself as a key turning point or surprise in the series, so if you don’t want to know any more just skim the titles and pick one that interests you!

20. Nobunaga Concerto

I’m going to start with Nobunaga Concerto, an anime that does have time travel — but is also more of an isekai.

This is why I’m including it on my list but, but not the highest for sure. So what’s it all about?

As you may have already guessed, it involves Oda Nobunaga . Arguably one of the most popular Japanese historical figures.

He was a brutal leader, but he was also brilliant and a key figure in the reunification of Japan.

But Nobunaga isn’t the OP. In Nobunaga Concerto, he meets Saburou who mysteriously time travels from the 21st century and looks like him.

Saburou was just an ordinary high school kid, but now he must replace Nobunaga, who wishes to relax in his final years.

19. Natsu-iro no Sunadokei (Sandglass of Summer Colors)

This is an old anime. Like, really old.

But while its character design, animation, and overall quality haven’t stood the test of time, it is a worthwhile show that involves more time travel than Nobunaga Concerto.

Sandglass of Summer Colors is an adaptation of a video game, a visual novel (VN) from Princess Soft that was released way back in 2002.

Also, it only has two episodes; it’s an OVA. Still, it’s an intriguing show.

Yes it once again involves a teenage boy, this time named Kotaro Makimura.

But here, the time travel comes in the form of Kotaro waking up to the next school year, and then going back and forth to specific days of his summer vacation.

Through this he learns some very crazy news about his girlfriend Kaho Serizawa. It gets deep.

18. Buddy Complex

In 2014, Sunrise released an action-heavy mecha title that surprisingly wasn’t another entry to their sprawling Gundam franchise.

It’s called Buddy Complex, and it does enough to distinguish itself from other similar titles with its appealing trio, plot, and solid execution.

Buddy Complex starts with the main hero Aoba Watase nearly getting killed in the hands of a massive robot from the future.

Hina Yumihara saves him, and also takes him 70 years into the future for him to learn all about the fighting robots and possibly prevent his demise.

Can he go back to his actual timeline? Or is he stuck in this future of warring military forces?

17. Doraemon

Yes, Doraemon is indeed a time-travel anime — and quite a good one at that.

Some argue that the time travel aspect is a mere gimmick here. But I honestly love what the anime has done with it.

The story isn’t about a dystopian future and someone who wants to save it by going back to the past.

No, it’s about Sewashi Nobi from the 22nd century sending a cat robot to improve the life of his grandfather Nobita Nobi — and that’s wonderful.

With 1,700 episodes, Doraemon has proven that this subgenre can be wholesome for kids.

Likewise, who doesn’t want a four-dimensional pouch that can bring out all sorts of gadgets of different sizes?

16. Punch Line

Punch Line was MAPPA’s third original anime after Garo: The Animation and Zankyou no Terror, the latter being one of my all-time favorites.

No, Punch Line wasn’t a modern classic in my eyes at all.

It didn’t have the serious or ambitious tone of those previous shows.

However, Punch Line was a creative risk that needs commending — and even a reappraisal from anime fans.

It’s silly but fully aware of it.

How silly? It involves spirits, nose bleeding, panty shots.

Also, the OP has to avoid looking at panties as he travels through time as a spirit. Otherwise a meteor immediately kills all life on Earth. So that’s fun.

15. InuYasha

I’ve got another entry here from Sunrise Studio.

InuYasha was one of the biggest shounen titles before series like Naruto, Bleach, and Fairy Tail took over — and it does have time travel.

Kagome Higurashi goes back hundreds of years to feudal Japan. The difference is instead of meeting a general, he meets a white-haired guy who also has dog ears.

Also, both Kagome and Inuyasha can travel between modern Japan and feudal Japan with relative ease.

And I suggest InuYasha just because it’s one of the best shounen series of all time. Time travel or not.

14. Irozuku Sekai no Ashita kara (Iroduku: The World in Colors)

I have a soft spot for original anime. It takes a lot of guts to push through with a story you don’t know will work out.

It doesn’t have a built-in fan base unlike with adaptations of manga, LNs, and video games.

But Iroduku: The World in Colors was more than just an original anime.

It was a visually imaginative and wonderfully animated series, and it was clear that P.A. Works didn’t just do this half-heartedly.

Think of it as a blend of sci-fi, fantasy, and school drama.

A grandmother sends her emotionally distant granddaughter 60 years back to the past, but she doesn’t say why.

And now that she’s back to 2018(present when released) the young girl named Hitomi Tsukishiro learns all about self-discovery and human connection. Go see it.

13. Charlotte

Look, I get it — Angel Beats was a great anime series.

That was a show that managed to make me love all the students in just 13 episodes.

Plus, I’m confident that most viewers won’t ever forget the ending.

Since then, people have been clamoring for something like it from Jun Maeda.

Well Charlotte came into the fray, but it wasn’t exactly as good as Angel Beats or Clannad.

Still, Charlotte certainly has its moments as a school drama with time travel (among other powers).

Also this is an anime original, and I think the best moments outweigh the pacing and plot issues by the end.

I don’t blame you if you haven’t heard of Zipang.

Despite being released two full years later than Naruto, Zipang somehow sports a more old-school design.

Then again, it’s a fitting choice given the military and historical setting.

Simply put, it’s about a Japanese missile destroyer (a navy warship) called Mirai that gets itself into a storm, but it was no ordinary storm.

Once Mirai gets away from the storm, its crew realizes that they’ve all time-traveled to 1942 — back to the Second World War.

Exciting, right?

Here’s the more interesting part: They must try their best not to change history. But can the crew keep themselves in the background when people are dying left and right?

11. Natsu no Arashi (Summer Storm!)

Interestingly enough, I didn’t catch this until last year — a full decade since its release.

But hey, this is an excellent example of “better late than never” because this is a fine mix of time travel and comedy.

Natsu no Arashi is about, again, a male teenager who meets a beautiful girl.

But Sayoko Arashiyama is far from an ordinary teenager.

She may not even be a teenager as Hajime Yasaka finds a photo of her in her 60s.

What’s going on? And why does Sayoko still look young?

Check out Natsu no Arashi. It’s made by Shaft so expect some visual delights.

10. Higurashi no Naku Koro ni (When They Cry)

We’re getting closer to the highest ranking so let’s be really careful now. I did warn about spoilers, so be prepared.

When They Cry deceives its audience by portraying itself as another generic anime with a guy OP and a bunch of cute girls.

Only for it to actually be a murder mystery with a time loop to boot.

Also, it may even be the only horror and time travel anime out there.

One minute you’re seeing kids playing together, all smiles. The next, they’re splattered with blood and having edgy expressions.

Admittedly I hate what happened to the anime adaptation here (although the movie Orange: Future was way better in terms of animation quality and consistency).

I read the manga, and it had moments that could’ve catapulted the anime as a classic.

But the anime did not meet or exceed expectations.

Orange was just above average. But still good enough to warrant a spot here.

If you think the anime was good and made you cry and laugh, consider the gorgeous and much more emotional manga too.

8. Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu (Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World)

I think Re:Zero is a fine isekai and time travel anime.

It could’ve been like any typical isekai after all the hype for Sword Art Online. But it etched its own place in history.

Re:Zero makes you think that it’s just another guy getting transported to a fantasy world. But the time loop aspect elevates the series to new heights of dread and sheer desperation for Subaru.

It’s not just an escape to a better world with waifu material like Emilia and Rem, it’s overall a really engaging show. And I’m definitely excited for season 2 .

7. Kimi no Na wa. (Your Name.)

Yup, this is big spoiler territory.

I sure hope that you’ve already watched the critically acclaimed movie, which also broke records around the world — or that you’ve read the novel of the same name.

Because time travel is what made audiences gasp in the middle of the movie. Kimi no Na wa is seemingly just about two people living in different regions… but what viewers didn’t know was that they also lived in different periods.

I still remember the shock everyone had in the cinemas (because I saw this twice in theaters).

There is nothing quite like the audiovisual spectacle of a Makoto Shinkai film on the big screen. And the ending is so rewarding if you’ve watched Five Centimeters Per Second.

6. Yojouhan Shinwa Taikei (The Tatami Galaxy)

Masaaki Yuasa needs no introduction after Devilman Crybaby garnered rave reviews from fans and critics all over the world, in part because it was available on Netflix.

But even before that, I was a huge fan of Yuasa’s directorial prowess.

He’s a man with impeccable skill, ensuring that both substance and style are way above the competition.

The Tatami Galaxy features rapid conversations (so you have to read fast if you prefer subtitles like me) and there’s so much going on when this is all about a young man’s life (and love life).

Watch him go through some sort of Groundhog Day, but in a much more artistic, magical manner.

It’s a rewarding experience across space and time (and tatami), I promise you that.

5. Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica (Puella Magi Madoka Magica)

At this point, I’m not sure which of my top picks have time travel as one of its biggest turning points.

This one has a certain episode in the latter half that completely turns it from an impressive series to arguably one of the best anime of all time.

You may not agree that it’s a “deconstruction” of the magical girl genre . But it’s clear evidence that Gen Urobuchi could change the game if he had the right team.

Also, this original anime looks breathtaking.

It’s dark, it’s exciting, it’s inspirational.

Shaft had a classic in their hands and they didn’t waste the opportunity.

4. Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuuutsu (The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya)

As one of Kyoto Animation’s first big hits, The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya took the relatively small 2006 global anime community by storm.

It was hilarious, had a stellar set of characters, had a viral opening song, and had episodes that didn’t line up chronologically.

And yet the order of events didn’t ruin the story at all.

The nonlinear structure enabled a new way of looking at the character dynamics. And it made rewatches (in the chronological order) more rewarding.

Once you’ve watched the series (and bless you if you’ve seen the Endless Eight arc) go ahead and enjoy The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya .

3. Toki wo Kakeru Shoujo (The Girl Who Leapt Through Time)

Like Masaaki Yuasa and Makoto Shinkai, Mamoru Hosoda is one of the best anime directors today.

And he’s done many more amazing films besides this one: Summer Wars, Wolf Children, and The Boy and the Beast, just to name a few.

The Girl Who Leapt Through Time works as well as it does because of how it didn’t just use time travel as a gimmick.

It thought of how to shape the character and the story as a whole, creating tension and developing emotional impact in the latter half.

Plus I think many of us can relate to Makoto Shonno. Spending the last year of high school knowing that life is about to change, and yet you’re unsure of your own future.

It’s thrilling, hilarious, and has a heart at its core.

2. Boku dake ga Inai Machi (ERASED)

Am I making a controversial choice by putting this so high on my list?

Not really.

Sure, not everyone was a fan of the adaptation. And I admit that the suspense thriller aspect to it was a bit heavy-handed.

But like with how I feel about Zankyou no Terror, ERASED has highs that are so high, they easily make up for the lows.

It’s an imperfect masterpiece in my eyes.

The first episode was a 10/10 with how it easily grabbed my attention by the end with the change in aspect ratio, signifying the drastic change in time… it’s really interesting.

ERASED has a killer OP from none other than Asian Kung-Fu Generation, and I still think that the birthday scene of Kayo is one of the most heart-wrenching yet simultaneously heartwarming moments in anime.

Also, (big spoiler ahead) I dislike that some fans think the show was bad just because the guy didn’t end up with the girl he saved(and attempted to save again and again) in the past.

Look, you don’t just get to marry someone because you saved their life. You save someone because it’s the right thing to do, not because you expect something in return.

1. Steins;Gate

Is there even any other anime that could be at the No. 1 spot?

It’s the first show that comes to mind if you ask most anime fans what the best time travel anime is. And for good reason.

Furthermore, Steins;Gate isn’t just lauded as the top time travel series ever.

It’s also in the running as possible the best anime in general, usually in competition with FMA: Brotherhood.

Steins;Gate is both an outstanding gateway show to anime and one that becomes rewarding once you’ve consumed a ton of anime.

Some claim that it’s overrated, but one thing’s for sure: It set the standard for what a time travel anime could achieve in terms of sheer brilliance and entertainment.

Millennial introvert on the lookout for slice-of-life anime, world cinema, and European music. Follow on Twitter @notspencer08

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25 Best Time Travel Anime Series & Movies

Here’s a question: what’s your favorite time travel anime? Is this type of science fiction even full of good books?

Time travel anime is one of the more popularly used story hooks in modern anime and it can take unique shapes!

It doesn’t have a lot of great titles every season like isekai does, but it’s not hard to find some good ones.

From tradition time travel anime stories ( Steins;Gate ) to ones that use “time reset” ( Re:Zero) , there is no shortage of creativity at play.

Check out my list below if you’re in the mood for some twists and turns that will blow your mind (or even small bits of time travel in an otherwise normal anime).

And fair warning: (in some cases) there will be surprises ahead. Some of these books are about time travel, and it’s a big part of the plot or a big surprise.

If you don’t want to know more, just skim the names and pick one that sounds interesting.

Here are some popular time travel anime that fans should watch.

Table of Contents

25. Natsu-iro no Sunadokei (Sandglass of Summer Colors)

This anime is quite old. Really old, like.

But even though its character designs, animations, and general quality haven’t held up over time, it’s still a good show with more time travel than Nobunaga Concerto.

Sandglass of Summer Colors is based on a Princess Soft computer game called a “visual novel” (VN) that came out in 2002.

Also, there are only two episodes because it is an OVA . Still, the show is interesting.

Yes, it’s about a teen boy again. This time, his name is Kotaro Makimura.

But in this case, Kotaro travels through time by waking up in the next school year and then going back and forth to different days of his summer break.

He finds out some very strange things about his girlfriend, Kaho Serizawa, as a result. It gets deep.

24. Buddy Complex

Sunrise launched a mecha game with a lot of action in 2014, but it wasn’t another part of their long-running Gundam series.

It’s called Buddy Complex, and its appealing trio, interesting story, and solid execution set it apart from other games in the same genre.

At the beginning of Buddy Complex, the main character , Aoba Watase, is almost killed by a huge robot from the future.

Hina Yumihara saves him and takes him 70 years into the future so he can learn about beating robots and maybe stop himself from dying.

Can he return to his real past? Or is he stuck in a future where armed forces fight each other?

23. Doraemon

Yes, Doraemon is a time-traveling anime, and it’s a pretty good one.

Some people say that the time travel is just a trick. But I really love what they did with it in the anime.

The story isn’t about someone trying to save a bleak future by going back to the past.

No, it’s about Sewashi Nobi from the 22nd century sending his grandpa Nobita Nobi a cat robot to make his life better, which is great.

Doraemon has shown that this style can be good for kids with 1,700 episodes.

Also, who wouldn’t want a four-dimensional pouch that can pull out different sized gadgets?

22. Punch Line

After Garo: The Animation and Zankyou no Terror, Punch Line was the third original anime made by MAPPA. Zankyou no Terror is one of my all-time faves.

No, I didn’t think Punch Line was at all a modern classic .

It didn’t have the same level of seriousness or ambition as those other shows.

But Punch Line took a creative risk that should be praised and even reevaluated by anime fans.

I know it’s silly, but I don’t care.

How stupid! It has to do with ghosts, nosebleeds, and poop shots.

Also, as a spirit traveling through time, the OP can’t look at underwear. If not, a rock would kill all life on Earth right away. That’s cool.

21. InuYasha

I have another piece from Sunrise Studio to show you.

Before Naruto , Bleach , and Fairy Tail came along, InuYasha was one of the most popular shounen books, and it does have time travel.

The story of Kagome Higurashi takes place in old Japan, hundreds of years ago. The only change is that instead of a general, he meets a man with white hair and dog ears.

Also, it’s not hard for either Kagome or Inuyasha to go between current Japan and feudal Japan.

And I recommend InuYasha because it is one of the best shounen shows ever. Can you go back in time?

20. Irozuku Sekai no Ashita kara (Iroduku: The World in Colors)

Original anime is one of my favorite things. To keep going with a story you’re not sure will work takes a lot of guts.

It isn’t based on a comic, light novel, or video game, so it doesn’t already have fans.

Iroduku: The World in Colors wasn’t just an original anime, though.

It was a visually creative and beautifully drawn show, and it was clear that P.A. Works put a lot of effort into it.

It’s a mix of science fiction, magic , and school drama .

A grandma sends her emotionally distant granddaughter 60 years back in time, but she doesn’t say why.

And now that she’s back in 2018, Hitomi Tsukishiro, a young girl, has a lot to learn about self-discovery and how to connect with other people. Go see it.

19. Charlotte

Look, I get it — Angel Beats was a great anime series.

All of the kids on that show became my favorites in just 13 episodes.

Also, I’m sure that most people will never forget how it ends.

Since then, people have been begging Jun Maeda to do something similar.

So Charlotte joined the competition, but it wasn’t as good as Angel Beats or Clannad .

Still, Charlotte is a school drama with time travel and other skills that has its moments.

Also, this is a new anime, and I think the best parts make up for the story and pacing problems by the end.

18. Natsu no Arashi (Summer Storm!)

It’s interesting that I didn’t see this until last year, even though it came out ten years ago.

But hey, this is a great example of the saying “better late than never” because it is a great mix of time travel and comedy .

Again, Natsu no Arashi is about a young boy who meets a pretty girl.

But Sayoko Arashiyama isn’t like other teenagers at all.

Hajime Yasaka gets a picture of her when she was in her 60s. This means she might not even be a teenager.

What’s happening? And why does Sayoko still look young?

You should look at Natsu no Arashi. Since it was made by Shaft, you can expect it to look good.

17. Higurashi no Naku Koro ni (When They Cry)

We’re getting closer to the top spot, so let’s be extra careful. I did say there might be spoilers, so be ready.

When They Cry tricks its viewers into thinking that it is just another generic anime with a guy as the opening theme and a bunch of cute girls .

It turned out to be a murder riddle with a time loop on top of that.

Also, it might be the only anime that is both scary and goes back in time.

One minute, you see a bunch of happy kids playing together. The next thing you know, they’re covered in blood and have angry looks on their faces.

I hate what happened to the anime version here, even though the animation quality and consistency of the movie Orange: Future was much better.

I read the book, and there were parts in it that could have made the anime a classic.

But the anime didn’t live up to or go beyond what was expected.

Orange wasn’t much better than normal. But it is still good enough to be here.

If you liked the anime and how it made you cry and laugh, you might also like the manga, which is much more beautiful and emotional.

15. Kimi no Na wa. (Your Name.)

Yes, this is a very big surprise.

I’m sure you’ve already seen the highly acclaimed movie or read the book with the same name, which broke records all over the world.

People gasped in the middle of the movie because it was about time travel. Kimi no Na wa seems to be about just two people who live in different places… But people didn’t know that they lived in different times as well.

I can still remember how shocked everyone was in the theater, where I saw this movie twice.

There is nothing quite like seeing a Makoto Shinkai movie in a theater, where you can hear and see everything at once. And if you’ve seen Five Centimeters Per Second, you’ll love how it ends.

14. Yojouhan Shinwa Taikei (The Tatami Galaxy)

Devilman Crybaby got great reviews from fans and reviewers all over the world, in part because it was on Netflix .

But I was a big fan of Yuasa’s directing skills even before that.

He is a very skilled man who makes sure that both content and style are way ahead of the rest.

Since it’s about a young man’s life (and love life), there’s a lot going on in The Tatami Galaxy. If you like subtitles like me, you’ll have to read quickly.

See him go through something like Groundhog Day, but in a much more magical and artsy way.

I promise you that it will be a rewarding journey across space, time, and tatami.

13. Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica (Puella Magi Madoka Magica)

At this point, I don’t know which of my top choices has a big turning point that involves time travel.

In the second part of this series, there is one episode that makes it go from being a good show to being one of the best anime of all time.

You might not agree that it is a “deconstruction” of the magical girl type. But it’s clear proof that Gen Urobuchi could change the game if he had the right team.

Also, this original anime is stunning to look at.

It’s scary, exciting, and full of ideas.

Shaft had a chance to make a classic, and they didn’t waste it.

12. Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuuutsu (The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya)

The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya was one of Kyoto Animation’s first big hits. In 2006, when the anime community was still small, it took the world by storm.

It was funny, had great characters, a catchy opening song that went viral, and shows that didn’t go in order.

Still, the order of events didn’t make the story any less interesting.

The story’s nonlinear framework gave us a new way to look at how the characters interact with each other. And it made it more fun to watch again in the right order.

You can enjoy The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya after you’ve seen the series (and God bless you if you’ve seen the Endless Eight arc).

If you haven’t heard of Zipang, I don’t blame you.

Even though Zipang came out two years after Naruto, it looks more like something from the past.

The military and historical setting, on the other hand, makes it a good pick.

Simply put, it’s about a Japanese warship called Mirai, which is a missile cruiser. Mirai gets caught in a storm, but it’s not just any storm.

Once Mirai is out of the storm, the crew learns that they have all gone back in time to 1942, which is during the Second World War.

Isn’t that cool?

The most interesting part is that they have to do their best not to change history. But can the team stay in the background when everyone around them is dying?

10. Noein: To Your Other Self

Studio:  Satelight

Episodes:  24

Quick pitch:  In the future, a violent war between two dimensions threatens the existence of space-time. A group called the Dragon Calvary is dispatched to search for the Dragon’s Torque, which is said to be the only thing to stop the war.

9. Mirai Nikki (The Future Diary)

Studio:  Asread

Episodes:  26 + 1 OVA

Quick pitch:  Yukiteru Amano spends his days writing a diary on his cell phone and talking to two imaginary friends, Deus Ex Machina and Murmur.

Deus reveals himself as a god of space and time, and grants Yukiteru a “ Random Diary .” This device shows descriptive future events to Yukiteru and he must use it to survive a deadly battle royale against 11 other people with similar diaries.

8. Thermae Romae

Studio:  DLE

Episodes:  6

Quick pitch:  Lucius is a Roman architect who has trouble coming up with ideas. One day, he discovers a tunnel underneath a spa that leads him to a modern Japanese bath house. Inspired this discovery, he creates a spa based on modern ideas from Japan.

7. Nobunaga Concerto

I’ll start with Nobunaga Concerto, which is an anime about time travel that is also more of an isekai.

Because of this, I’ve put it on my list, but it’s not the best. So what’s going on?

As you might have guessed, it has to do with Oda Nobunaga. Possibly one of the most well-known people in Japanese history.

He was a cruel boss, but he was also smart and a big part of how Japan got back together.

Nobunaga isn’t the OP, though. In Nobunaga Concerto, he meets Saburou, a man from the 21st century who strangely travels back in time to meet him. Saburou looks just like him.

Saburou was just a regular high school student, but now he has to take over for Nobunaga, who wants to take it easy in his last years.

6. Occult Academy

Studio:  A-1 Pictures

Episodes:  13

Quick pitch:  In 2012, the world is invaded by aliens. To stop this from happening, Fumiaki Uchida is sent back to 1999 to prevent the apocalypse from occurring by destroying the Nostradamus Key. In order to find the key, he forms a partnership with Maya Kumashiro, who is a girl with a strong hatred for the occult .

5. Puella Magi Madoka Magica

Studio:  Shaft

Episodes:  12 + 3 (kind of remakes / sequel) movies

Quick pitch:  Madoka Kaname and Sayaka Miki are friends who live normal middle old school lives, but everything changes after they meet a cat-alien named Kyuubey and a transfer student named Homura Akemi.

Kyuubey offers to grant them a wish in exchange of becoming magical girls, but Homura urges the duo to decline or they will enter a world of despair.

4. The Girl Who Leapt Through Time

Mamoru Hosoda is one of the best anime directors working today, along with Masaaki Yuasa and Makoto Shinkai.

He has also made many other great movies, like Summer Wars, Wolf Children, and The Boy and the Beast, to name just a few.

The Girl Who Leapt Through Time works so well because it’s not just a story about time travel.

It thought about how to shape the character and the story as a whole, making the second part more tense and emotional.

Also, I think a lot of us can understand Makoto Shonno. You’re in your last year of high school, and you know that things are about to change, but you don’t know what will happen to you.

It’s scary, funny, and has a heart at its center.

3. Boku dake ga Inai Machi (ERASED)

Putting this so high on my list, am I making a risky choice?

Actually, no.

Sure, not everyone liked how it was changed. I’ll admit that the tension thriller part was a bit too much.

But, like how I feel about Zankyou no Terror, the high points in ERASED are so good that they easily make up for the bad points.

I think it’s a classic, even though it has flaws.

The first episode was a 10/10 because it was easy to keep my attention by the end, when the aspect ratio changed to show how much time had changed. It’s very interesting.

Asian Kung-Fu Generation makes a great opening theme for ERASED, and I still think that Kayo’s birthday scene is one of the most heartbreaking and moving moments in anime.

Also, I don’t like that some people think the show was bad just because the guy didn’t end up with the girl he saved (and tried to save again and again) in the past.

Look, just because you saved someone’s life doesn’t mean you can marry them. You help someone because you should, not because you want something in return.

2. Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World

Re:Zero is a good isekai and time travel show, in my opinion.

After all the talk about Sword Art Online , it could have been like any other isekai. But it made its own mark on the past.

Re:Zero makes you think that the main character is just another guy who goes to a dream world. But the time loop takes the series to a whole new level of fear and hopelessness for Subaru.

It’s not just a way to flee to a better world with waifu characters like Emilia and Rem; the show as a whole is very interesting. I can’t wait for the second season.

1. Steins;Gate

Is there even another show that could be No. 1?

If you ask most anime fans what the best time travel anime is, this is the first show that comes to mind. And with good cause.

Also, Steins;Gate isn’t just praised for being the best time travel show ever.

It’s also in the running for the best anime of all time, usually against FMA: Brotherhood.

Steins;Gate is a great show to watch if you’re new to anime, but it also gets better the more anime you watch.

Some people say it’s overrated, but one thing is for sure: it set the bar for how brilliant and entertaining a time travel anime could be.

Don’t Forget to share it with your fellow otaku’s and bookmark MOW.

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About the Author

Garima Singh

Moshi Moshi everyone! I'm Garima, an anime enthusiast with a passion for sharing my love of anime with others. I've watched over 1000 anime, and I'm always on the lookout for new and exciting shows to watch.

I love everything about anime, from the stories and characters to the animation and music. I'm also a big fan of anime culture, and I love to learn about Japanese culture and history through anime.

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10 Steins;Gate Is One Of Anime's Most Beloved Time Travel Stories

Steins;gate rating scores, why steins;gate is considered one of anime's best english dubs.

Though there have been many amazing time travel stories throughout anime history, few can compare to Steins;Gate . One of the most popular time travel anime out there, this thrilling psychological series is considered one of the best modern depictions of time travel to date. Steins;Gate stars Rintarou Okabe, an eccentric genius scientist who discovers a way to travel back in time using a bizarre device he has named the "Phone Microwave". Using this gadget, Rintarou is able to send messages to the past that alter the future.

Though a groundbreaking discovery, Rintarou soon finds that messing with the past has dire consequences. Thus, the series follows him on a harrowing journey as he desperately tries to fix his mistakes, ultimately creating a thread of alternate realities in the process.

Steins;Gate (2011)

After discovering time travel, a university student and his colleagues must use their knowledge of it to stop an evil organization and their diabolical plans.

9 Noein: To Your Other Self Uses Real-Life Science & Quantum Theory To Tell Its Story

Noein: to your other self rating scores.

With its complex storyline based on real-life science theories, Noein: To Your Other Self could also be titled Quantum Physics 101. This mind-boggling series features a universe divided between two factions, the Shangri-La who want to destroy the time-space continuum, and the Lacryma who refuse to let that happen. However, the key to saving everyone turns out to be the Dragon Torque, who is actually the protagonist, Haruka Kaminogi.

The writers rely on modern quantum theory as the almost-mystical motor of the story. Combined with elements of sci-fi and fantasy, this lesser-known time travel anime is easily one of the most unique within the genre. Noein: To Your Other Self is a great mix of various themes and subgenres because it manages to combine really chill slice-of-life episodes with epic space battles and even magical girls, all without breaking a single string theory along the way.

8 Sagrada Reset Stars A Strange Girl With A Unique Power

Sagrada reset rating scores.

Do not be fooled by Sagrada Reset 's slice-of-life exterior, as this anime is basically camouflage for an X-Men level backstory chock-full of philosophical dialogues. In this series, protagonist Kei Asai lives in Sakurada, a strange town where all its inhabitants possess otherworldly abilities. Kei's ability gives him an eidetic memory, which means he remembers practically everything. Meanwhile, his new friend Misora has the power to reset time up to three days in the past. Together, Kei and Misora combine their gifts to help others and make life in Sakurada better for everyone.

While they both join the Service Club to help people, the end of the first episode turns the slice-of-life premise on its head. Viewers soon realize that there are other powers moving the pieces of this small village, and it's up to these young heroes to unravel the mystery. A thrilling story of a supernatural conspiracy, Sagrada Reset is a must-watch for time travel and mystery fans alike.

Sagrada Reset (2017)

Set in the seaside town of Sakurada, where everyone possesses unique abilities, Kei Asai encounters Misora Haruki, a girl who can "reset" anything around her up to three days prior. However, she loses her own memories of the reset period. Kei, with his photographic memory, assists Misora in using her power to help others in town, forming a service club. As they solve various mysteries and challenges, Kei develops feelings for Misora, while questioning the ethics and consequences of altering the past.

7 The Disappearance Of Haruhi Suzumiya Introduces An Alternate World Where Haruhi Doesn't Exist

The disappearance of haruhi suzumiya rating scores.

The Haruhi Suzumiya franchise is well-known for its bizarre plots that feature many mind-bending and often confusing situations, from alternate dimensions to frustrating time loops. As such, it's no surprise that The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya carries on this trend. In the film, protagonist Kyon wakes to find himself in an alternate version of his reality, where everyone and everything has changed. Most notably, titular heroine Haruhi is nowhere to be found.

Thus, as the only one aware of this reality shift, Kyon must make choice. Either he accepts this new reality and lives a normal life, or he travels through time and space to restore things to the way they once were. Considered by many to be the best storyline in the entire franchise, The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya is hailed as one of the best time travel concepts in anime.

The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya

A week before Christmas, Kyon wakes up in a world where the SOS Brigade doesn't exist. Mikuru and Yuki don't recognize him, and Haruhi and Itsuki seem to have vanished.

6 Future Diary Combines Classic Battle Royale With Time Travel Elements

Future diary rating scores, the 15 deadliest death games in anime.

In the iconic series Future Diary , protagonist Yukiteru Amano gets dragged into a battle to the death where the victor becomes a God. His main weapon is a special cellphone that receives messages and tips from his future self. This allows him to foresee what will happen, albeit to a limited degree. However, all the other combatants also have similar cell phones, further adding to the challenge.

Future Diary has a tournament format where every episode features a serious duel between Yukiteru and the other candidates. Further, the mechanics of time travel are extremely well-developed in this series, particularly the unstable timeline/parallel worlds concept. Combined with the classic battle royale concept, Future Diary stands out as one of the more unique time travel series in anime.

Future Diary

A young man competes with people around the world for a chance to become the succesor of God, with a diary that is able to tell the future.

5 Erased Is A Gripping & Emotional Murder Mystery Story

Erased rating scores.

It's difficult to talk about Erased without mentioning The Butterfly Effect and the video game Life Is Strange. Both of them share several themes and mechanics with this plot. Erased stars Satou, a man who can travel backward in time a few minutes to stop disasters, but he doesn’t have perfect control over this ability. Nevertheless, Satou tries to use his ability to help others as best as he can.

However, when he’s accused of matricide, Satou's mysterious gift sends him back to his high school days, right before one of his classmates was murdered by a serial killer. Now living in the past, Satou sets out to solve the mystery and save Kayo Hinazuki before it's too late and history repeats itself. Those who've watched The Butterfly Effect know that Erased 's Satou has his work cut out for him, despite his time-traveling powers.

Erased (2016)

29-year-old Satoru Fujinuma is sent back in time 18 years to prevent the events leading to his mother's death, which began with a series of kidnappings while he was in 5th grade.

4 The Girl Who Leapt Through Time Follows Makoto As She Learns That Time Traveling Has Its Consequences

The girl who leapt through time rating scores.

The Girl Who Leapt Through Time stars Makoto Konno, an outgoing high school girl who accidentally gains the ability to leap through time. She promptly uses this unanticipated blessing to make her life easier in a myriad of different ways as she tries to figure out what she wants in life. Unfortunately, Makoto soon realizes that she also has a number tattooed on her arm, representing the total amount of time leaps she can make. Not only that, but as she meddles with time, she starts to see the unexpected consequences of her time jumps and what that means for her future.

Although this plot is not epic or action-packed in any way, The Girl Who Leapt Through Time introduces an intriguing concept. Makoto's ability to use cumulative time-leaps is similar to asking a genie for more wishes. The anime is beautiful to watch and its slice-of-life setup is sure to appeal to those put off by historical time travel or overly elaborate sci-fi.

The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (2006)

A high-school girl named Makoto acquires the power to travel back in time, and decides to use it for her own personal benefits. Little does she know that she is affecting the lives of others just as much as she is her own.

3 The Tatami Galaxy Gives A Bitter College Student A Chance To Re-Do His Life

The tatami galaxy rating scores.

The Tatami Galaxy is framed within a Groundhog Day device of a single day resetting unto itself. The series follows a young man named Watashi, who keeps reliving the same first day of college and trying to get the perfect “rose-colored” college life he's always dreamed of. After lamenting bitterly to himself about his regrets, Watashi is sent through time to re-start his college days, in hopes of doing it right this time. Thus, he goes on a journey to face his regrets and finally do everything he wished he could before.

Although the structure of all the episodes is similar, the great thing about this 11-episode series is the incredibly original style and the fantastic soundtrack. The conclusion is also refreshing, as it highlights the optimistic aspects of time travel. In other words, the most important thing is not to make the perfect decision but to make a decision and enjoy it to the max.

The Tatami Galaxy

The Tatami Galaxy" follows an unnamed third-year college student at Kyoto University, dissatisfied with his unremarkable college experience. Encountering a demigod, he receives the chance to relive his past three years, hoping to experience the ideal "rose-colored campus life" he believes he missed. Each episode presents a different timeline where he joins a new club (such as the rowing club, the filmmaking club, or the mystery research club), hoping to find fulfilling friendships and romance, particularly with his classmate Akashi. However, due to his awkwardness, impulsiveness, and misguided decisions, each attempt ends in disappointment, leading him back to the beginning of the loop. Through these comedic and melancholic cycles, the series explores themes of self-discovery, missed opportunities, the impact of choices, and the importance of cherishing the present.

2 Thermae Romae Is A Hilarious Story Of What Would Happen If Someone From The Ancient World Came To The Future

Thermae romae rating scores, thermae romae novae is a fantastic change from the classic isekai formula.

A popular theme in time travel stories is the concept of bringing someone from the past to present and exposing them to the marvels of the modern world. Historical comedy Thermae Romae does just this, transporting an ancient Roman to the future. When Lucius, an ancient thermae (Roman bathhouse) architect, gets fired, he also somehow manages to time-travel to modern Japan through a Roman bath sinkhole. Here, he makes a name for himself as a genius architect whose ingenuities are far head of his time.

This hilarious series follows Lucius' daily adventures as he navigates the modern world, shocked and delighted by the future's modern technology. Thermae Romae is one of the most unique anime based on the time travel trope, as well as the most lighthearted. Those who complete the three-episode anime series might also want to view a brilliantly scripted live-action movie.

1 Nobunaga Concerto Follows Saburou As He Travels To Feudal Japan & Trades Places With A Legendary Warrior

Nobunaga concerto rating scores.

Nobunaga Concerto is a historical shonen series following the adventures of Saburou, a carefree high school student whose life is turned upside down when he suddenly finds himself transported back in time to the Sengoku Era. Here, he meets Nobunaga Oda, the legendary leader of the Akechi Clan. After this chance encounter, Saburou suddenly finds himself swapping identities with Nobunaga, posing as the general himself. Now in an unfamiliar time forced to pose as a feudal lord, Saburou must use his modern knowledge to get him by as he helps to unite Japan.

With its unique visuals and refreshing take on historical fiction, Nobunaga Concerto is a highly underrated time travel series. The story is simple and straightforward, yet gripping and emotional, with brilliant character development that really gets the audience invested.

DualShockers

9 best time travel anime.

From Tokyo Revengers to Steins;Gate, these are the best anime that focus around the concept of time travel.

• Time travel in storytelling requires attention to detail and tying together diverted paths can be difficult indeed.
• The choices characters make, regardless of size, can have massive consequences, making time travel stories engaging rollercoasters.
• Time travel can serve as a bittersweet method of communication, enhancing themes of actions, consequences, and personal growth.

Whether it's a mere five minutes or an entire decade, time travel is one of the most compelling yet complicated devices in storytelling. What makes it complicated is the attention to detail required: one story must already be established in order for diverted paths to take place, and tying them together effectively can be very difficult indeed.

RELATED: Saddest Deaths In Anime, Ranked

The choices that characters make, regardless of how small or big they perceive them to be, can have massive consequences. More often than not, the audience discovers the stakes of these choices along with the characters themselves. Therefore, a time travel story can become quite the rollercoaster, with a sometimes unpredictable track. Here are some of the best anime for fans of the fascinating concept of time travel.

9 Irodoku: The World in Colors

Despite coming from a long line of witches, Hitomi Tsukishiro has a rather strained relationship with witchcraft. Unable to truly master her her potent magic , she loses her ability to connect with the world around her in a literal sense. She can no longer see colors. Her grandmother hopes to reconnect her with her roots by sending her back in time to meet a younger version of the guardian.

Irodoku is a story of true connection with the world and, in a way, with one’s heritage. It speaks earnestly to the challenges one faces when it comes to mental health, and presents hope as an answer through the lens of Hitomi’s grandmother’s past.

People are not the ones to travel through time here: letters do instead. Naho Takamiya finds a letter addressed to her, soon discovering that it is from her future self. Future Naho gives herself glimpses of the future and shares regrets she had during high school. In doing so, she hopes to convince Present Naho to make different, bolder decisions that could just save someone they both care for dearly.

Orange is, in a way, a melancholy ode to those who sit on the sidelines of their own lives. It is also a reminder that reaching out may seem small and insignificant to some, but it can mean the world to others. Time travel is a bittersweet method of communication in this story that only serves to enhance these messages as the show progresses.

7 The Girl Who Leapt Through Time

Hit the brakes and check out this early 2000s anime movie classic . Based on a novel by the same name, the story follows Makoto Konno as she is suddenly granted the ability to leap through time. Makoto starts to use these leaps to her own advantage, often for selfish reasons. However, she only has so many she can use, and some decisions lead to terrible consequences.

It's expected that a teenager like Makoto may make a few silly, albeit selfish, decisions when discovering a new power like time travel. The story becomes even more compelling when she becomes aware of this and tries to remedy some of the decisions she’s made. In doing so, this movie truly broaches the subject of actions and consequences, on both a small and large scale.

6 The Tatami Galaxy

Take a trip that starts with something quite familiar to the college-age demographic: ramen. A third-year college student finds himself at a mysterious ramen stand, where he reflects on his lonely years thus far. Jealous of the surrounding couples, he secretly harbors the regret of not trying harder to be in a relationship like his peers. He is then thrown back into the beginning of his college years once more, for another chance to do just that.

RELATED: Best Anime Set In College

This show is a journey and a half for anyone not used to a more surrealist animation style. Yet, all-in-all, it is a story about a young man trying to find his place among his peers. It speaks honestly to the reality that sometimes life is a series of repetitive situations and different choices.

5 Tokyo Revengers

It’s a jarring reality to go from having it all to losing something dear and cherished. Takemichi Hanagaki used to have a more joyful life, supported by friends and his girlfriend. As time progresses, though, he loses his footing in the world and his ex-girlfriend. It isn’t until he finds himself gifted with the ability to alter time that he decides to use this ability to save the girl he once loved.

RELATED: Best Anime Like Tokyo Revengers

Based on the manga of the same name by Ken Wakui, the world of Tokyo Revengers is brutal and precise, especially with what Takemichi is attempting to achieve. He is also an underdog character, as he is not strong right from the get-go. Rather, he grows from his experiences and keeps to his wits as much as he can to achieve his desired outcome.

4 Your Name

Small-town-girl-meets-city-boy is taken to an entirely different level when it comes to this CoMix Wave film. While Mitsuha Miyamizu lives her life in the rural village of Itomori, Japan, Taki Tachibana lives his life in the bustling city of Tokyo. Both begin to have strange "dreams" where they swap lives without knowing it, until suddenly, they realize they are actually swapping bodies.

Winning three awards both for its stunning animation and its compelling story, Your Name is a tragic yet beautiful story worth falling into . The movie uses tension and suspense through the narrative of time, showing its audience slices of its protagonists’ lives.

When accused of murdering someone near and dear to him, Satoru Fujinuma turns to the past in order to clear his name. His ability, called Revival, allows him to travel into the past and alter events about to happen. While at one point he traveled mere minutes prior to an event, this time he is sent back to when he was just a child in order to solve the murder of one of his classmates.

Erased wraps a mystery within a time travel blanket that does nothing but enhance the suspense of its story. Time seems almost autonomous in the show, as it serves as a guide for Satoru while he decides to make the ultimate decisions. In a sense, he is not in it alone either, because he finds support in the most convenient of places: home.

2 Re:Zero – Starting Life in Another World

Just in the blink of an eye, Subaru Natsuki is transported to a fantasy realm called the Kingdom of Lugunica. Initially, he is more than excited to escape the mundanity of his regular life. Soon enough, though, he discovers that there are still challenges around the bend that he must face. Luckily, he has an ability that no one around him realizes: the ability to return to a specific point in time after "dying."

The story of Subaru takes some unexpected turns that lead him down a much darker road than he ever anticipated. Yet, part of what makes Re:Zero such a successful story is its protagonists’ slow growth over time. Each "death" is an opportunity for Subaru to truly take in his surroundings and learn to make conscious decisions. Additionally, the show is certainly dedicated to its small details and world-building. This only enhances the viewing experience for the audience.

1 Steins;Gate

Every great scientific discovery starts with something simple, right? For Rintarou Okabe and his team, that beginning comes in the form of a microwave. However, after attending a conference on time travel, Rintarou starts to see their invention in a new light. This discovery leads him into dangerous territory that not only puts his team at risk, but also his mind.

This anime is a roller coaster that makes its audience question what’s real and what isn’t. Humor turns into horror, and that horror leads into the core questions that Steins;Gate asks: What is the cost of time travel? What do we truly have control over when it comes to some of life’s most haunting consequences?

NEXT: Anime Characters Who Can Outsmart Senku

The 25 Lovely Romance Anime Movies of All Time

May 6, 2023

Tops & Rankings

Anime movies have always delivered outstanding works in terms of animation, storytelling, and character development, all in two hours or less.

From classics such as Studio Ghibli’s movies to modern gems like Redline there’s no shortage of exceptional anime movies.

In particular, romance anime movies offer a unique blend of heartwarming tales and stunning visuals.

That’s why we’ve compiled the ultimate list of the best romance anime movies for you to enjoy at least once in your lifetime.

Table of Contents

25. I Want to Eat Your Pancreas

Released in 2018, I Want to Eat Your Pancreas is a movie that elicits mixed reactions, but it was a success nonetheless, especially for its tear-jerking scenes.

The story follows a shy high school student, Haruki Shiga , who discovers the secret diary of his classmate, Sakura Yamauchi , and learns of her terminal pancreatic disease .

Despite her grim reality, Sakura faces her illness with a positive attitude and a cheerful spirit. That’s why Haruki decides to support her and make her last moments of life as happy as possible.

While the movie may not have been well-received by everyone, it can still be appreciated by anime fans.

We’re not calling it a bad movie, but rather one that some would argue that it’s cliché and lacks narrative coherence compared to its initial premise.

24. Urusei Yatsura: Beautiful Dreamer

Beautiful Dreamer is a cult romance-comedy movie directed by the legendary director Mamoru Oshii .

The movie is set in the fictional world of Urusei Yatsura , but it’s entirely disconnected from the main series both for themes and plot.

Ataru and Lum are preparing for the student festival, but things start to feel strange as the days repeat and time seems to be frozen. They soon realize they are trapped in a dream , and although they are aware of it, they don’t know how to break free.

Beautiful Dreamer is a unique and atypical movie, shifting the focus from the classic romance and comedic themes of the main series to more psychological and dream-like elements.

But this is what makes it a timeless gem in Japanese animation. Mamoru Oshii once again delivers with this movie, as he always creates gold with everything he touches.

You can watch this movie without having watched the main series, but we still recommend you do so to gain a deeper understanding of the characters and their relationship.

23. Her Blue Sky

Her Blue Sky is a movie released in 2019 that combines elements of music and romance.

It tells the story of Aoi and Akane , two sisters whose parents died in an accident 13 years prior. Akane gave up her dreams of moving to Tokyo to take care of her younger sister.

Years later, Aoi, who has a passion for music, is invited to perform at a music festival by a famous Enka singer. This leads her to cross paths with Shinnosuke , her sister’s former boyfriend, who has returned to town under mysterious circumstances.

This movie is a great choice for fans of sentimental movies with a strong emphasis on emotion and plot twists, and who also enjoy music subplots .

Although it may not be the most original or meaningful story, it should not be underestimated.

22. Weathering With You

Weathering With You is the latest movie directed by Makoto Shinkai , released in 2019.

The protagonist, Hodaka , moves to Tokyo from a small island during his junior year of high school, but he is met with financial struggles and non-stop rain, not exactly the best start.

But one day he meets Hina , a girl with the power to clear the sky and bring sunshine, and the two embark on a journey filled with love and adventure.

Weathering With You showcases once again Shinkai’s impressive technical skills with stunning animations and a memorable soundtrack.

Although the plot may be somewhat cliché, it’s still a good movie overall.

21. Tamako Love Story

Tamako Love Story is a fantastic blend of sentimentality, slice-of-life, and comedy, released in 2014.

The movie follows the story of Mochizu and Tamako , who have been best friends since they were born. Growing up, they spent countless hours playing together, and Mochizu eventually falls in love with Tamako.

As they approach their final year of high school, Mochizu decides to attend a university far away, and before he leaves, he decides to confess his feelings to Tamako.

Unfortunately, Tamako panics and rejects the boy, but as he sets out on his new journey, she begins to realize the depth of her own feelings . A race against time ensues as the girl tries to set things right.

Tamako Love Story is a fun and entertaining movie that will have you on the edge of your seat, wondering how it will all end and if they will manage to finally love each other, or everything will be lost.

It’s also one of the best romance anime with little drama we can recommend to you.

20. Your Name.

A movie that has created a buzz in the media, loved by many but criticized by some. We’re talking about none other than Your Name, directed by Makoto Shinkai .

Mitsuha is a high school student who lives in a small town surrounded by mountains and longs to live in Tokyo. On the other hand, Taki is a student who lives in the busy city of Tokyo.

One day, they both dream of swapping bodies and living each other’s lives. But is it just a dream?

If you’re looking for a romantic movie with stunning animation, showcasing the contrast between city and countryside life with a touch of the supernatural, then Your Name is a great choice.

The love story between Mitsuha and Taki is engaging, creating a strong contrast, and manages to be unique in its own way.

If you haven’t watched it yet and have only heard about its massive popularity, now may be the perfect time to watch it and decide for yourself if you like it or not.

You can also watch it with your partner because it’s one of the best romance anime for couples.

Belle is a newly released movie that was directed by Mamoru Hosoda , known for producing masterpieces such as Mirai and The Girl Who Leapt Through Time.

The movie follows the story of Suzu , a 17-year-old high school student who feels trapped in her small rural village. She finds solace in the virtual reality world of U , where she can express her passion for singing.

Here she becomes Belle , and then embarks on a journey filled with love and adventure after meeting a mysterious dragon.

Belle is an innovative story that shines in its technical aspects, with stunning animation, special effects, and a fantastic soundtrack. Give it a chance if you haven’t already.

18. Only Yesterday

Only Yesterday is a beautifully crafted movie that was released in 1991, with a stunning graphic style that is still impressive today.

This movie is a true representation of the slice-of-life genre and follows the story of Taeko , a young woman in her 30s who has always lived in the city.

While vacationing in the countryside with relatives, she begins to reminisce about her past and the events that took place 20 years earlier, when she was just 10 years old.

The movie alternates between these two realities, creating a captivating and interwoven story. It tells a complete story of a lifetime in just two hours and manages to be both poignant and entertaining at the same time.

As Taeko grows up and faces the challenges of adulthood, we also see her fall in love and navigate the complexities of relationships and life.

This movie is a must-watch for anyone who loves a well-crafted and emotionally impactful story.

17. Ride Your Wave

Ride Your Wave is a 2019 movie that showcases stunning animations, an excellent character design , and breathtaking aquatic landscapes.

Hinako moves back to her hometown in Chiba to attend college and finds solace in surfing, which helps her overcome her fears.

But one summer night, a fire breaks out in her apartment complex due to smuggled fireworks and she is rescued by Minato , a firefighter.

The two suddenly fall in love as they passes more time together surfing.

This movie is a true gem that deserves recognition for its tropical settings and a captivating romance, so don’t miss it for no reason, trust us.

16. The Garden of Words

A 2013 movie that can be described as stunning, both in terms of its breathtaking animation and its powerful themes and plot. It’s truly a hidden gem that you should watch if you haven’t already.

Takao is a young student who is training to become a shoemaker. One day, while skipping school to find inspiration in a garden, he meets Yukino , an older woman.

Over time, the two continue to meet, with each encounter always taking place only on rainy days . But as they grow closer, they must decide what their future holds as the rainy season comes to an end.

Garden of Words is a hidden gem of Japanese animation that is often overlooked but full of meaning and emotion. The animation and setting are both outstanding and are worth a watch alone for that.

15. 5 Cm per Second

Five Centimeters Per Second, directed by Makoto Shinkai , is a poignant movie about the passionate relationship between two main characters, with their bond tested by distance and the inevitable passage of time.

This movie is divided into three parallel stories , each centered around the characters of Akari and Takaki, who have been in love since childhood but are unable to fully realize their love due to life’s events.

Each story represents a different stage in their lives, from childhood to adolescence to adulthood.

The movie carries a clear message, one that resonates deeply with the viewer: love is fleeting, and opportunities lost may lead to regret.

We consider this movie one of the best of Makoto Shinkai’s productions, thanks to its strong message and its ability to evoke strong emotions from the audience.

14. The Girl Who Leapt Through Time

The Girl Who Leapt Through Time is a captivating and entertaining movie that explores the themes of time travel and personal growth with one of the best dominant female leads in romance.

Makoto Konno , a high school student, gains the ability to leap in time after a strange accident in the science lab.

Initially using her newfound power for small, selfish reasons, Makoto soon realizes that her actions have far-reaching consequences and she must come to terms with the weight of her decisions.

The movie balances comedy, romance, and light-hearted moments with thought-provoking psychological themes, making it an enjoyable and meaningful experience.

With its parallel storylines and engaging plot, The Girl Who Leapt Through Time is a true masterpiece of moviemaking that should not be missed.

Unfortunately, its romance component isn’t that important but rather is another factor that will contribute to Makoto’s incredible character development.

13. Josee, The Tiger and the Fish

Josee, The Tiger and The Fish is a touching romance movie that was released in 2020.

The movie follows the story of Tsuneo , a college student, who meets Kimiko , a girl with cerebral palsy who can’t use her legs.

The two begin to see each other more frequently and as Kimiko opens up to the world, their feelings start to grow.

This movie is exceptional, brimming with heart-wrenching drama and poignant emotion. The relationship between Tsuneo and Kimiko is portrayed as genuine and wholesome , and it serves as the focal point of the narrative.

This movie puts a strong emphasis on human psychology, making it an insightful and impactful watch, but that’s exactly its strength.

This is also one of the best underrated romance anime that you should watch.

12. Violet Evergarden the Movie

Violet Evergarden The Movie is the continuation of the 2018 animated series and picks up where it left off. It’s highly recommended to watch the first series before watching this movie to fully understand and appreciate the story.

Set several years after the end of the Great War, Violet continues her journey of self-discovery through letter writing in a rapidly modernizing world.

But unexpected events will challenge her as she continues to explore her emotions.

The movie takes all that made the animated series great and raises the bar even higher, delivering stunning animation, a well-crafted story with no plot holes, and superb character development.

Violet Evergarden The Movie is a must-watch for fans of the series and those who appreciate outstanding animation and storytelling. We’ll never get tired of recommending this stunning work.

11. From up on Poppy Hill

From Up on Poppy Hill is another production from Studio Ghibli released in 2011.

It’s a heartwarming love story set during the economic boom of Japan in 1963 after World War II. The movie stars Umi Komatsuzaki, a student in the port city of Yokohama who falls in love with Shun’ya Kazama .

But through getting to know each other, the two will discover a shared secret from their past as their love story progress.

This movie is rich in meaning, with a complex and beautifully crafted love story between Umi and Shun’ya.

It’s a timeless production that will always be remembered as a classic in the anime world. You should watch it if you haven’t already.

10. Laputa – Castle in the Sky

Laputa: Castle in the Sky, follows the journey of Pazu and Sheeta as they search for the mythical flying fortress of Laputa.

Along the way, they encounter a crew of eccentric air pirates led by Mama Dola , who are also in pursuit of the legendary treasures hidden on the enchanted island.

With Colonel Muska and his army hot on their trail, Pazu and Sheeta must work together to save their homeland and uncover the powerful secret weapon hidden in Laputa.

The romance subplot between Pazu and Sheeta is one of the most iconic and memorable in the fantasy genre, as it’s this movie gem.

Laputa: Castle in the Sky is one of the hallmarks of Studio Ghibli’s timeless classics and will always be.

9. Macross: Do You Remember Love

In 1984, Macross: Do You Remember Love? was released, summarizing the events of the first Macross anime series with several improvements.

The story begins with humanity completing a space airship, based on an alien wreck named Macross .

However, when they attempt to launch it, they are attacked by the alien race Zentradi and the surviving humans embark on the ship to escape Earth. This sets off a war against the unknown threat.

Macross: Do You Remember Love? is essentially the animated series, but with added details and some plot changes.

This movie is a visual masterpiece that makes love its main theme and manages to convey it within two hours or less.

It’s highly recommended to watch it after the main series to fully appreciate it, which we easily consider one of the most original ever.

8. The Night is Short, Walk on Girl

The Night is Short, Walk on Girl is a 2017 award-winning movie that combines elements of comedy, sentimentality, and supernatural.

A student at Kyoto University falls in love with his younger classmate and finds ways to run into her, pretending that every time their encounters are coincidental.

During a party, the boy sits next to the girl and the night becomes a series of exciting events and even supernatural encounters as they start to change clubs.

This movie boasts a unique visual style and is a standout among its peers.

The moviemakers’ choice to not name the two main characters, instead referring to them as The Girl with the Black Hair and The Senpai , adds a personal and innovative touch that helps viewers identify with the characters.

7. Rascal Does Not Dream of a Dreaming Girl

Rascal Does Not Dream of a Dreaming Girl is a movie that continues the story of “Rascal Does Not Dream of Bunny Girl Senpai,” which is considered one of the best romance series under many categories.

The plot takes place after the events of the series and delves deeper into the mystery of Shoko’ s character and her relationship with the main character, Sakuta .

But attention, it’s essential to watch the series first in order to fully understand the movie.

However, if you have not watched it yet, we highly recommend doing so as it’s one of the best romantic series available, with one of the best cool MC in romance anime .

And fortunately, the movie manages to uphold the same level of quality as the series.

6. Whisper of the Heart

Whisper of the Heart is a 1995 Studio Ghibli movie that belongs to the sentimental and slice-of-life genre. It takes place in Tama, a rural suburb of Tokyo, and is set in the same year it was released.

The movie follows Shizuku , a 14-year-old girl with a love for reading and a dream of becoming a writer.

One summer, she visits the library and realizes that the books she is borrowing are the same ones that a boy named Seiji Amasawa has taken.

Curious, Shizuku sets out to find Seiji, daydreaming about him.

Whisper of the Heart is a great classic of Japanese romance movie that’s not to be missed.

Its love story is captivating and the direction does an excellent job of showcasing life in 1990s Japan.

5. A Silent Voice

A Silent Voice is an impactful romance movie that tells the story of Shouya Ishida and Shouko Nishimiya , two high school students who had tumultuous relationship in their elementary school years.

Shouya, who was responsible for bullying Shouko due to her deafness , seeks to apologize in high school and make amends for his past actions.

The two eventually become friends, but their relationship is threatened by their own issues and lingering emotional scars.

This movie is highly recommended for those who are just starting to watch anime, especially those who like romance anime with a depressed MC trope.

The movie has a strong focus on the psychology and personal growth of its characters and includes several surprising plot twists.

A must-watch for anyone who enjoys meaningful, thought-provoking movies with well-developed characters.

4. Howl’s Moving Castle

It’s impossible to leave out one of Studio Ghibli’s best productions in a list like this. Howl’s Moving Castle boasts a captivating and unique setting that will stick in everyone’s mind forever.

The story is set in a fictional kingdom that combines the best of magic and 20th-century technology and is currently at war with another kingdom.

Here the protagonist, Sophie , meets the wizard Howl , a young and charming man. The two will live adventures that you can only dream of.

This movie is characterized by a strong anti-war message, supernatural elements, and a touching romance with a grown-up couple.

There’s no denying it, Howl’s Moving Castle is a true masterpiece directed by Hayao Miyazaki and we have no hesitation in calling it one of the best anime movies of all time.

3. In This Corner of the World

In This Corner of the World is a 2018 award-winning movie that captures the story of a family struggling to rebuild their lives in a world shattered by war.

The main character, Suzu Urano , is a cheerful and honest young woman who marries Hojo , a naval officer.

With the best of intentions, Suzu is excited about starting a new life with Hojo and his family. After leaving her hometown, she begins to adjust to life in Kure, a small rural town. However, things quickly take a turn for the worse.

This movie is definitely one of the best romance anime , with some excellent animation and graphics, but the real highlight is its powerful message.

In This Corner of the World highlights the devastating effects of war on innocent people , who want to have a normal life filled with love but can’t.

2. Into the Forest of Fireflies’ Light

Into the Forest of Fireflies’ Light is a touching romance anime with demons and spirits that reaches even the coldest people.

It follows the journey of Hotaru , a young girl who gets lost in the countryside and meets Gin , a yokai with human-like qualities.

Despite the Mountain God’s curse forbidding Gin from touching humans or he will disappear , the two form a close bond that goes beyond love.

The relationship between the two is at the heart of the story, showing how they can love each other without physical touch.

Although the ending may be sad, this movie is still a beautiful romance movie full of emotional moments. But that’s exactly why we’ve included it on our list of the best romance anime with a sad ending.

1. The Wind Rises

The Wind Rises is one of the best historical romance anime ever, produced again by the renowned Studio Ghibli .

It’s also one of the best romance anime available on HBO Max , so you can watch it without any issues if you’re subscribed to the service.

The movie follows the journey of a young boy named Jiro who aspires to become an airplane pilot, but his nearsightedness makes it an impossible dream.

However, he meets the famous Italian aircraft designer Giovanni Caproni in his dreams and realizes that his true purpose is to build airplanes , not fly them.

As Jiro grows up, he follows his passion and becomes a successful airplane designer, and he also meets and falls in love with his beloved wife.

The movie follows Jiro’s life and his realization of his dream, combined with the dramatic relationship between Jiro and his wife as a married couple.

The Wind Rises is a touching story about the purpose of life and the power of dreams, and its romantic elements are sure to stay with you long after the movie is over.

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The 20 Best Romance Anime Movies Of All Time, Ranked

Vote up the romance anime films that are worth watching.

There's nothing like a great romance anime . Anime movies are an especially good way to get absorbed into a touching love story, because you don't have to wait around for the next episode - the fate of the lovers will usually be present in the film itself. Also, anime movies often have fabulous animation.

Which are the best romance anime movies? Pretty much anything love-themed that's created by Studio Ghibli or Makoto Shinkai is worth mentioning - we especially want to highlight Howl's Moving Castle and Your Name. But these giants of the genre aren't the only ones creating great romantic films. Looking for something that will make you cry buckets? Try I Want to Eat Your Pancreas. Looking for a good time? Try The Night is Short, Walk on Girl.

No matter what you choose, these love stories are bound to make your heart beat faster.

A country girl named Mitsuha Miyamizu suddenly starts swapping bodies with a busy Tokyo boy named Taki Tachibana. Confused by this inexplicable phenomenon, the two begin learning about each other's lives while trying to figure out what the heck is going on.

They soon realize that they don't exist on the same timeline - and that in Taki's timeline, Mitsuha is no longer alive. To save the girl he's come to love, he'll have to literally transcend time itself.

A Silent Voice

As a child, Shouya Ishida used to bully his classmate Shouko Nishimiya, mostly because she was deaf. He ended up paying the price for his actions after he was ostracized by his classmates - many of whom participated in the bullying too. 

Years later, he doesn't just feel bad about losing his own social life - he also feels genuinely remorseful for how cruel he was to Shouko. When he meets her again as a teenager, he hopes to make up for what he did. He soon realizes that there's a lot more to their budding relationship than just the pain of the past - but at the same time, the pain of the past never truly goes away. 

Josee, the Tiger and the Fish

Hoping to make his dream of studying marine biology abroad come true, Tsuneo Suzukawa works multiple part time jobs. After rescuing a young woman whose wheelchair is hurtling down the street, he ends up with another job - Josee's caretaker. 

Josee doesn't think she needs a caretaker - she's perfectly fine by herself. If not for the fact that just about every place outside her home is inaccessible for wheelchair users, she'd be right - but her overprotective grandmother insists. Though Josee has no intention of making things easy for her unwanted caretaker, the two grow close as Tsuneo focuses on helping her do what she wants to do - not what her grandmother wants her to do. Meanwhile, Josee starts to understand Tsuneo's own dreams and aspirations.

I Want to Eat Your Pancreas

An unnamed protagonist sees no point in interacting with other people and spends most of his time alone. When he discovers that his classmate, Sakura Yamauchi, has a terminal pancreatic disease, he doesn't feel particularly sympathetic. 

But Sakura wants the protagonist around to help her fulfill her bucket list for the end of her life. As he gets dragged into a variety of social activities, he starts to care about Sakura - and to realize that human connection is more important than he thought it was. 

Weathering With You

For unexplained reasons, Tokyo has been overwhelmed with near constant rain. This makes life harder for everyone - especially people like runaway high school student Hodaka Morishima, who is barely scraping by with his job at a small-time publisher, and like orphaned Hina Amano, who is trying to find work that will help her support herself and her younger brother.

The two collide when Hodaka saves Hina from some nefarious men. When Hodaka finds out that Hina can make the sun temporarily appear by praying for it, the two go into business, marketing her as a ‘sunshine girl.’ Such incredible power doesn't come for free, though. There is a terrible price to be paid. 

Hotarubi no Mori e

Hotarubi no Mori e is a great movie to watch if you need a good cry. When six-year-old Hotaru Takegawa gets lost in the woods near her grandfather's house, a strange boy in a mask named Gin helps her find her way. She tries to give him a hug out of gratitude, only to be rebuffed. 

It turns out that Gin is under a curse - if a human being touches him, he will disappear. For this reason, he asks Hotaru not to return - but something draws her back to Gin again and again. As Hotaru gets older, the two begin to fall in love. But how can their love bloom when Gin can't be touched? 

Howl's Moving Castle

Sophie Hatter spends her days working diligently in her family's hat shop, never dreaming of more for herself. Her everyday life changes when an accidental encounter introduces her to Howl, an eccentric wizard who lives in a traveling castle. Their connection sparks the jealousy of the Witch of the Waste, who transforms Sophie into an elderly woman. 

She joins Howl in his castle in the hopes of finding a way to break the curse. In the meantime, she meets Howl's strange companions and gets closer to Howl himself. As she does, she learns more about what she actually wants out of life. But she still has to deal with the Witch of the Waste, not to mention the war brewing around. 

Whisper of the Heart

When 14-year-old Shizuku Tsukishima realizes that a boy named Seiji Amasawa has been checking out many of the same books that she is at the library, she decides that she wants to get to know him. She gets the chance when she meets a strange cat at the train station who leads her to an antique shop. There, she discovers a mysterious statuette called the Baron - and Seiji Amasawa. 

The two quickly grow close, but one thing gets in the way - Seiji has an important goal that he wants to fulfill, while Shizuku is still trying to decide on a direction in life. But her new relationship with Seiji might be just what she needs to figure it out.

The Girl Who Leapt Through Time

Makoto Konno is in her last year of high school, and she's having trouble deciding what to do next. In between hanging out with her friends and playing baseball, she gains an unexpected ability - the power to literally leap through time. After using it for trivial things like marathon karaoke sessions and getting to school on time, she realizes that she only has a few time leaps left. Not only that, but the changes she makes in the fabrics of time have unforeseen consequences. 

Makoto isn't the only person messing with time - a friend of hers named Chiaki is doing the same thing for his own reasons. 

Tamako Love Story

Throughout Tamako Market, Mochizou Ooji has had a massive crush on Tamako Kitashirakawa, the daughter of his family's rival mochi shop. As he prepares to leave for college, he's struck with a dilemma. He wants to study in Tokyo, but he also doesn't want to leave Tamako behind.

Tamako has no plans to do anything but continue working at her family's mochi shop, so they're looking at a long separation. If he ever wants to tell Tamako how he feels, he'll have to do it now - but can he work up the courage?

The Wind Rises

Fans of historical romance definitely shouldn't miss this acclaimed Ghibli film. The film focuses on a fictionalized version of Jirou Horikoshi, the aeronautical engineer who helped create the Mitsubishi A6M Zero fighter aircraft . This is the aircraft that was used in the attack on Pearl Harbor. For American viewers, this film depicts a perspective on those events that we don't often get to see. But it also tells a more personal story of Jirou's journey to create this weapon while enduring challenges like earthquakes and the ravages of war. He begins to question the purpose of what he's doing - and the potential human cost.

While dealing with all this, he falls in love with a woman named Naoko Satomi. Though the love is mutual and they get married, Naoko's poor health poses another major challenge. 

5 Centimeters Per Second

Like most of Makoto Shinkai's films, 5 Centimeters Per Second is about two people who love each other, but can't be together. This is one of his more realistic takes on the subject. 

Takaki Toono and Akari Shinohara are childhood friends who have fallen in love. But they aren't adults who can control their own destinies - they're kids who have to go where their parents do. So when Akari's family moves away, the two are separated. They try to stay in touch, but it isn't the same. Just before Takaki finds out that he'll have to move even further away, the two resolve to meet up one last time. A snowstorm and a resulting train delay upends their meeting, and they end up with very little time together.

Ride Your Wave

Hinako Mukaimizu is a college student who has no idea what she wants to do with her life - all she knows is that she loves surfing, and she loves the ocean. When her apartment catches on fire, firefighter Minato Hinageshi saves her life. Hinako is impressed by Minato's diligence and dedication, while Minato kind of wants to learn how to surf. Through the process of Hinako teaching Minato about her passion, the two fall in love. 

While surfing may be fun, it can also be dangerous. An accident completely changes Hinako's life, and forces her to truly face what she's going to do with her life. With Minato by her side, this daunting task is eased.

Words Bubble Up Like Soda Pop

Words Bubble Up Like Soda Pop is an adorable love story about two people who have trouble communicating - but in very different ways. Yui "Cherry" Sakura mostly communicates through haiku instead of words. Meanwhile, Yuki "Smile" Hoshino is a bubbly, enthusiastic girl who wants to be an influencer who gets everyone else smiling - but she hides her own smile behind a mask because she's embarrassed about her buckteeth. 

The two start getting to know each other while working at a welfare facility. There, they both wind up helping an old man find a record from his youth that he wants to hear one more time before he goes fully senile. In the process, they bond with each other - and learn to show their true selves.

The Stranger by the Shore

Shun Hashimoto and Mio Chibana are both staying in Okinawa - Shun because his parents kicked him out for being gay, and Mio for unknown reasons. The two click right away, but their budding relationship unravels when Mio has to return to mainland Japan.

When Mio returns three years later, he's planning on telling Shun that he's in love with him. This gets complicated when he realizes that Shun has been through a lot since they last met, and he's a lot warier about committing to a relationship than he used to be. A lot is going to have to change if their relationship is to stand a chance.

The Anthem of the Heart

Jun Naruse is an optimistic, talkative girl who believes in fairy tales and happy endings. Unfortunately, her talkativeness has some major consequences - she accidentally reveals her father's affair, which leads to her parents getting divorced and blaming her for it. Traumatized by the event, her feelings manifest as a “fairy egg” - a magical creature that seals her ability to speak.

Although she can't speak, she ends up being cast as the lead in her school's musical alongside Takumi Sakagami, Natsuki Nitou, and Daiki Tasaki. Nervous at first, she starts getting invested in the musical when she hears Sakagami's beautiful singing voice. Not only might singing be a way for Jun to communicate, she might be falling in love with Sakagami - the fairy tale prince of her dreams.

After Kurumi's boyfriend Hal passes away in an airplane accident, she's left completely devastated, and ends up isolating herself at home. Hoping to break her out of her misery, her uncle acquires a highly realistic robot called Q01.

Q01 is designed to behave and look just like Hal. At first, Kurumi sees him as a poor replacement, but she eventually opens up to him. But Q01 is more than just an object - he has secrets of his own. Can artificial life and human life ever truly connect? 

Macross: Do You Remember Love?

Looking for an old-school classic ? Try Macross: Do You Remember Love? The spacecraft Macross is on its way back from warping light-years away from Earth with a city full of civilians and soldiers on board. Despite the constant threat posed by the alien races Zentradi and Meltrandi, mecha fighter pilot Hikaru Ichijou manages to find time to fall in love with the city's idol Minmay Lynn.

But not everyone is as happy about their relationship as they are - Minmay's idol status causes the people around them to strongly disapprove. With Hikaru's life constantly at risk from the aliens, nothing is easy for these lovers. Minmay pours her feelings into her music, which ends up being exactly what's needed to create peace.

The Night Is Short, Walk On Girl

The Night Is Short, Walk On Girl is a chaotic and joyful film about a young woman's journey through her town's bustling nightlife. But it's also a love story.

While she's out drinking with supernatural beings, her ‘senpai’ is trying desperately to locate a rare book from her childhood that he hopes to present to her and win her heart. If you want to see a movie that's both utterly surreal and surprisingly heartfelt, don't miss this one.

Doukyusei is a simple but heartwarming love story between two boys with opposite personalities. Hikaru Kusakabe is an easy-going kid whose main focus is his rock band and the good times he's having in the future. Rihito Sajou is a straight-laced honor student who puts a ton of effort into getting good grades in order to secure his future. 

The two get to know each other when their entire class is made to participate in a chorus festival. Rihito can't sing, and Hikaru is more than happy to help him out.

• Entertainment
• Anime Underground
• Watchworthy

Everyone loves a good love story! Here's our collection of romance anime, moments, and characters you can fall in love with.

Best Anime About Time Travel on Crunchyroll & Hulu

By Marla Añonuevo

What are some of the best anime about time trave l? There are quite a few popular anime involving time travel, but not all of them are necessarily sci-fi. Here is a guide on some of the best anime about time travel.

Puella Magi Madoka Magica

More popularly known as Madoka Magica, this series is interesting and worth watching because it has a different approach when it comes to the magical girls genre. The series also has a distinct art style that sets it apart from other shows. Madoka Magica follows a group of middle school students who become magical girls. However, being a magical girl isn’t as magical as they hoped it would be. The series is quick to binge-watch since it only has 12 episodes.

The official synopsis from Crunchyroll reads:

“She has a loving family and best friends, laughs and cries from time to time… Madoka Kaname, an eighth grader of Mitakihara middle school, is one of those who lives such a life. One day, she had a very magical encounter. She doesn’t know if it happened by chance or by fate yet. This is a fateful encounter that can change her destiny- This is a beginning of the new story of the magical witch girls-“

Puella Magi Madoka Magica is streaming on Crunchyroll and Hulu.

Steins;Gate

Steins;Gate is a well-praised anime, considered one of the best during its time. The story follows Rintaro Okabe and his friends, who discover by accident that they can time travel by sending text messages to the past. This is a must-watch for fans who like anime series that take a dark turn, and where the protagonist goes insane. The series has a total of 24 episodes, which doesn’t make it too hard to binge-watch.

The official synopsis from Crunchyroll states:

“Steins; Gate follows an eclectic group of individuals who have the ability to send text messages to the past. However throughout their experimentation process, an organization named SERN who has been doing their own research on time travel tracks them down. Now it’s a careful game of cat and mouse to not get caught and moreover, try to survive.”

Steins;Gate is streaming on Crunchyroll and Hulu.

Looking for more anime recommendations? Check out our guide on the best BL gay anime shows to watch and stream on Crunchyroll .

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Top 10 Best Time Travel Anime

September 24, 2022

Time travel is one of the most fascinating and popular genres in anime shows in recent days and has worked as the main premise of various fantasy or sci-fi shows.

Time-traveling may look like an overused plot in anime but there are many series that have managed to portray this topic elegantly.

Through these Animes, we live our fantasies of traveling to the past exploring/reliving each day, and manipulating time.

Various Anime shows put forward different theories based on time travel and also use them to create many alternate/parallel dimensions or timelines. However, only a few of them bring about this concept in a truly interesting way.

Thus today, we decided to take a look at the top animes based on time-traveling that truly sets them apart!

1. STEINS; GATE

• AUTHOR : Chiyomaru Shikura
• GENRE:  Sci-Fi, Thriller
• EPISODES:    26 (1 season)

SYNOPSIS:- The tale of Steins; Gate takes place in Akihabara and is a story about time travel and the result of its abuse.

Here the protagonist is a person named Okabe Rintarou whose other name is Hououin Kyouma and is an acknowledged “mad scientist”.

After a certain period of time Rintarou successfully discovered a way of time traveling and begins to misuse its power by helping his friends who were having bad incidents in the past. He was not concerned about the consequences that he would face due to its abuse.

An organization named SERN also performs their research on time travel finds out about him and started an operation to capture the friends. Now Rintarou and his friends must find a way to avoid being captured by them.

2. TOKYO REVENGERS

• AUTHOR : Ken Wakui
• GENRE:  Action / Drama / School / Shounen
• EPISODES: 24 (1 season)

SYNOPSIS:-  The story of Tokyo Revengers starts when Takemichi Hanagaki, the protagonist of the story one day finds out that his ex-girlfriend from high school Hinata Tachibana was killed by a gang of ferocious criminals known as the Tokyo Manji gang.

Takemichi’s boring and miserable life suddenly changed when he thought of finding the reason behind Hinata’s death and thus time traveling 12 years in the past when he was still in school and was already in a good relationship with Hinata Tachibana.

Upon time-traveling Takemichi starts to find a way to prevent the death of Hinata in the future and he joins the Tokyo Manji Gang to be in a superior position in the gang and started to climb up the ranks with the intention of changing the future and saving Hinata from getting murdered.

Later Takemichi learns that he can time travel between the past and the present of 12 years gap by a mere handshake with Hinata’s brother Naoto. In the present Naoto was a police officer who was also finding the mastermind behind the death of her sister.

So Takemichi teams up with Naoto to solve this mysterious case and ultimately to save Hinata from her gruesome fate.

• AUTHOR : Ichigo Takano
• GENRE:  Comedy/ Romance/ School/ Slice of Life
• EPISODES: 13 (1 season)

SYNOPSIS:-  It was springtime, when suddenly one morning, 16-year-old Naho Takamiya receives a strange and detailed letter in the mail claiming to be from herself 10 years in the future. There were many events that were written in that letter that was supposed to take place.

At first, she thought that it was just a prank but then the things which were written in the letter started to take place including the fact that a new transfer student named Kakeru Naruse who sits beside her in the class which was already mentioned in that letter and – Naho is forced to believe the information provided in the letter.

The letter was just like her diary entries. Her future self tells her about the biggest regret she had in her life and it was about Kakeru and asks her to watch over him closely and not make the same mistake as she did previously.

Will Naho be able to make the right decisions that can change their fate?

• AUTHOR : Tappei Nagatsuki
• GENRE:  Drama/ Fantasy
• EPISODES: 50 episodes (2 seasons)

SYNOPSIS:- The story tells us about Natsuki Subaru, a normal young man, and an ordinary high school student. His normal life changed when he was suddenly summoned by someone from a parallel world where he was dumbfounded by the things he saw.

There he is rescued by a beautiful elf girl named Emilia who has a very painful past and due to which she is being chased by an assassin. Subaru was delighted by his rescuer and wanted to do something for her in return for saving him. He didn’t know why or who has summoned him so for the time being he started to follow Emilia in her journey.

Enemies attack one by one, and at last, the assassin gets to kill the two of them and everything seemed to be over and now both of them are killed. But here comes the mysterious power, Subaru awakens and realizes that he has the power to rewind death and names his ability “Return by Death”. The new ability gives him the ability to reverse time by dying; although, only he remembers what happened in the previous timeline.

Who gave Subaru the power to reverse time and why was he summoned in this alternate world?

• AUTHOR : Kei Sanbe
• GENRE:  Comedy/ Romance/ School/ Slice Of Life
• EPISODES: 12 (1 season)

SYNOPSIS:- Erased follows the story of the Satoru Fujinuma who is engulfed by his fear to manifest himself. Somehow, he possesses a supernatural ability to be compelled to prevent deaths and disastrous incidents by time-traveling before the event actually occurred, and ultimately preventing the accident.

But one day Satoru was hailed as a murderer as he got himself entangled in an accident. Although to save the sufferer he time-traveled to the past and now finds that he was now present 18 years ago as a grade-schooler and realizes that the incident of his classmate Kayo Hinazuki missing hadn’t taken place.

He now sets forth on a new adventure where he wants to solve this mysterious case by himself and save her friend from being missing. These all incidents started when there was a group of kidnappings while he was studying in 5 th grade at his school.

6. INUYASHA

• AUTHOR : Rumiko Takahashi
• GENRE:  Action, Adventure, Comedy, Demons, Fantasy, Magic, Romance, Shounen, Supernatural
• EPISODES: 167 ( 7 seasons)

SYNOPSIS:- Kagome Higurashi is a 15-year-old schoolgirl and has an apparently normal life, regardless of her weird family.

Her house is a history-filled thousand-year-old Japanese shrine, and her grandfather always tells about the history of this old shrine needlessly. There is a legend that the old well in her house has a cruel ancient monster and is trapped in the well. Kagome never believed those legends.

But One day the well pulled Kagome inside and took her to an ancient time of bewitching forests and massive demons. There Kagome is soon approached by her odd similarity to Kikyou, who controlled the magical Shikon no Tama talisman and sealed the legendary half-demon InuYasha.

Now upon entering this fantasy world, Kagome is assaulted by the Shikon no Tama; and she unwillingly releases InuYasha from his imprisonment, and finds out that InuYasha is no ally of hers.

7. FUTURE DIARY

• AUTHOR : Sakae Esuno
• GENRE :   Action, Shounen, Supernatural
• EPISODES: 26 + OVA

SYNOPSIS:- Yukiteru “Yuki” Amano is a socially weird boy who always prefers to spend time on his cell phone, write a diary, and never go out with friends. He thinks that he has a fictional friend named Deus Ex Machina.

However, one day Deus offers Yukiteru to participate in a survival game along with eleven others. The winner will become the next Deus Ex Machina. The rule was that the participants must use their diaries of the future and eliminate one another in order to be the winner. Yukiteru teams up with a girl named Yuno Gasai for surviving this game.

Yuno is another player of this survival game who also wishes to be the next champion but here comes the twist – Yuno likes Yuki and would do anything for him. But the fact is that only one person will become the champion and the rest would face their death. Will Yuki get to be the next Deus Ex Machina?

8. TATAMI GALAXY

• AUTHOR : Tomihiko Morimi
• GENRE:  Mystery/ Romance/ School/ Psychological
• EPISODES: 11

The story starts at a peculiar ramen stand when a college dropout visits there at late night and he stumbles upon a self-proclaimed deity of matrimony. Here the plot shows a student in his third year at Kyoto University who interferes with the parallel universes to know how would his life have changed if he had joined some other club on campus.

Now upon encountering this weird deity of matrimony, the third-year student remembers his college days, when he met a certain friend and due to whom he was turned into a completely bad cupid.

Here the story follows the young man joining a club by going into the past he dreamed of. However, he is always disappointed by the fact that he never obtained his perfect and beautiful high school life.

But he never loses his hope, the timeline changes and once again our protagonist appears as a new student who wishes to join another circle. Will he ever get the beautiful life he dreamed of?

9. SAGRADA RESET

• AUTHOR : Yutaka Kono
• GENRE:  Mystery/ Supernatural/ School
• EPISODES: 24

SYNOPSIS:- The story is set in Sakurada, a town where nearly half the population of Sakurada, near the pacific ocean, has some sort of special ability. The main character is Kei Asai, a boy with a photographic memory.

There is one more character in the story who is of equal importance – Misora Haruki. She is an introverted girl and possesses the ability to change the world by going up to 3 days in the past.

One day Asai meets with Haruki due to Soma’s advice and that started the formation of a new club that helps people in need. Kei can remember everything and can recall the time Haruki has changed and ultimately Asai helps Haruki with her ability to form a good friendship.

In the town, there are various kinds of ability users. there are people who can enter a person’s mind, reverse the time, or change someone’s memory of some past incident.

Asai and his friends find themselves involved with an organization known as Kanrikyoku which controls and keeps the ability of users in check.

• AUTHOR : Kaiji Kawaguchi
• GENRE:  Action/ Drama/ Sci-fi/ Military/ Historical
• EPISODES: 26

Mirai is one of the recently developed and most advanced ships in the whole Japanese Self Defense Force (SDF) and an upgraded Kongou-class Aegis guided-missile destroyer with the best crew in the world. Renowned captain Saburo Umezo and an executive officer named Yosuke Kadomatsu were in charge of the sailors.

The crew used to have battle drills every day while onboard. However, one day amidst such a drill the ship is hit by a typhoon. The navigation and comms were all in mess and they suffered quite a few losses.

After a slight recovery when the crew was finally able to take control of Mirai, they were astonished to find out that they were now in the middle of historic naval combat which took place many years ago during world war 2 – known as The Battle of Midway.

The crew decided that they shouldn’t interfere with the battle and avoided the battle at all costs.

After a state of recuperation, the sailors assembled together and promised to remain in disguise in this past world and not interfere with the events that are going to take place in due time. Needless to say that the promise was short-lived when the crew members encountered Lt Commander Takumi Kusaka.

Lt Commander Takumi Kusaka was destined to die in the Battle of Midway. However, the crew of Mirai decided to save him and ultimately changed the course of history.

So there you go! This was our list of the Top 10 Best Time Travel anime.

Which one is your favorite? Have you watched all of them? Or do you think we missed any anime series that must have been on the list? Let us know in the comments below.

We are open to all kinds of constructive criticism/feedback and any suggestions that you might have. Reach out to us and we will get back to you as soon as possible!

Thanks a ton for reading this far!

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Top 25 Best Romance Anime of All Time

Let's just be honest and admit that every story is spiced up if it contains at least a small degree of romance. Love makes everything better, so here are the 25 most romantic anime shows in which love plays a very important role.

Top Romance Anime to Keep you Warm on Those Cold, Cold Nights

For more of our most highly rated Romance Anime, as well as an overview of all the genre has to offer, check out our Romance genre page on MAL.

Let The Best Romance Anime List Commence!

Shigatsu wa kimi no uso (your lie in april), mal rated 8.93, ranked #15 | aired fall 2014 | produced by a-1 pictures.

Akagami no Shirayuki-hime (Snow White with the Red Hair)

Mal rated 7.93, ranked #625 | aired summer 2015 | produced by bones.

Clannad: After Story

Mal rated 9.09, ranked #9 | aired fall 2008 | produced by kyoto animation.

Ore Monogatari!! (My Love Story!!)

Mal rated 8.16, ranked #345 | aired spring 2015 | produced by madhouse.

Sukitte Ii na yo. (Say "I Love You")

Mal rated 7.73, ranked #982 | aired fall 2002 | produced by zexcs.

Kimi ni Todoke (From Me to You)

Mal rated 8.22, ranked #276 | aired fall 2009 | produced by production i.g.

Eikoku Koi Monogatari Emma (Emma: A Victorian Romance)

Mal rated 7.83, ranked #778 | aired spring 2005 | produced by studio pierrot.

MAL Rated 8.57, Ranked #72 | Aired Spring2006 | Produced by Madhouse

MAL Rated 8.48, Ranked #111 | Aired Fall 2008 | Produced by J.C.Staff

Kaichou wa Maid-sama!

Mal rated 8.28, ranked #229 | aired spring 2010 | produced by j.c.staff.

Kokoro Connect

Mal rated 8.03, ranked #484 | aired summer 2012 | produced by silver link..

Romeo x Juliet

Mal rated 7.88, ranked #713 | aired spring 2007 | produced by gonzo.

MAL Rated 7.88, Ranked #702 | Aired Fall 2000 | Produced by Sunrise

Junjou Romantica

Mal rated 8.13, ranked #378 | aired spring 2007 | produced by studio deen.

Hachimitsu to Clover (Honey and Clover)

Mal rated 8.20, ranked #298 | aired spring 2005 | produced by j.c.staff and nomad.

Ano Hi Mita Hana no Namae wo Bokutachi wa Mada Shiranai. (Anohana)

Mal rated 8.65, ranked #51 | aired spring 2011 | produced by a-1 pictures.

Byousoku 5 Centimeter (5 Centimeters Per Second)

Mal rated 8.16, ranked #340 | aired winter 2007 | produced by comix wave films.

Bokura ga Ita (We Were There)

Mal rated 7.59, ranked #1285 | aired summer 2006 | produced by artland.

Koi Kaze (Love Wind)

Mal rated 7.37, ranked #2010 | aired spring 2004 | produced by a.c.g.t..

Hana yori Dango (Boys Over Flowers)

Mal rated 7.92, ranked #643 | aired fall 1996 | produced by toei animation.

Lovely★Complex

Mal rated 8.25, ranked #253 | aired spring 2007 | produced by toei animation.

Sekaiichi Hatsukoi (World's Greatest First Love)

Mal rated 8.18, ranked #323 | aired spring 2011 | produced by studio deen.

Ookami to Koushinryou (Spice and Wolf)

Mal rated 8.38, ranked #168 | aired winter 2008 | produced by imagin.

Nodame Cantabile

Mal rated 8.50, ranked #99 | aired winter 2007 | produced by j.c.staff.

Hotarubi no Mori e (The Light of a Firefly Forest)

Mal rated 8.64, ranked #55 | premiered sep 17, 2011 | produced by brain's base.

Dug the list? Then hit up our Top 20 Cute Couples in Anime and 20 Most Passionate Anime Kisses articles as well! Also, don't forget to check out our Romance genre page on MAL to help you find your next Romance anime fix!

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New Movies Coming Out In March 2024

• Get ready for exciting variety in March 2024 movies! From love stories to horror films, there's something for everyone.
• Dive back into the epic adventure of Dune: Part Two, where Paul Atreides faces tough choices and a battle for revenge.
• Prepare for a thrilling new installment with Kung Fu Panda 4, featuring Po and a sorceress complicating his quest.

With a new year comes new movies, and 2024 promises to be jam-packed with some exciting releases. The slate for March in particular includes a lot of variety, so there will be something for everyone at the theater (and on streaming) in the coming month. There are love stories, horror films, kaiju monsters, and even a return to a classic animated franchise, so there's quite literally something for every taste. Here are the big upcoming March 2024 releases, and a little bit about what might make each one worth checking out.

Game Rant's Ultimate Sci-Fi Guide

Dune: part two.

Continuing the epic adventure from the first Dune movie, Dune: Part Two follows Paul Atreides as he works together with the Fremen people on the planet Arrakis to lead a charge against House Harkonnen . Paul wants revenge against the people who destroyed his family, but he finds himself faced with a choice between love and the fate of the universe, where he must try and prevent the horrible future that he has had visions of.

Cabrini is a biographical drama that tells the story of Catholic missionary Francesca Cabrini, who was an Italian immigrant in 1889 New York City. When she sees the poverty and crime that riddles the city, she makes it her mission to implore the mayor to ensure housing and health care for the vulnerable population. Despite facing a language barrier, anti-Italian sentiments, and her own health issues, Cabrini creates a vision of hope unlike anything the city had yet seen.

Imaginary is a horror film about what happens when the things in one's imagination become real...and very scary. When Jessica returns to her childhood home, she finds her old stuffed bear Chauncey, who she then gifts to her young stepdaughter Alice. However, Alice's behavior begins to grow concerning and the way she plays with Chauncy gets darker and darker, until Jessica realizes that Chauncey may be much more than just an old stuffed animal.

Kung Fu Panda 4

Everyone's favorite Dragon Warrior panda is back for his fourth adventure! When Po is chosen to become the spiritual leader of the Valley of Peace, he must find and train a new Dragon Warrior, but a sorceress who is after the Staff of Wisdom starts to complicate things a bit. Realizing he can't do this on his own, Po teams up with Zhen, a corsac fox , and discovers that heroes really can be found in the most unlikely of places. Mainstays of the Kung Fu Panda cast, including Jack Black, Dustin Hoffman, and James Hong, all returned for this installment.

Love Lies Bleeding

This romantic thriller is set in the 1980s and follows Lou, a lonely gym manager who falls for Jackie, a bodybuilder who is on her way to Las Vegas to pursue her dream. Their love story soon turns to violence as they get caught up in the machinations of Lou's criminal family. The film is being distributed by A24 and stars Kristen Stewart and Katy O'Brian.

Arthur the King

Based on an incredible true story, Arthur the King follows the captain of an adventure racing team (Mark Wahlberg), who befriends a stray dog named Arthur who is wounded. Together, the pair embark on a 435-mile endurance race through the Dominican Republic. The story is based on the 2016 non-fiction book Arthur - The Dog Who Crossed the Jungle to Find a Home by Mikael Lindnord.

Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire

Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire is the sequel to Ghostbusters: Afterlife and is the fifth installment in the Ghostbusters franchise . In this new adventure, the Spengler family returns to the iconic New York City firehouse to help the original Ghostbusters, who have developed a top-secret research lab. However, when an ancient artifact is unearthed, it unleashes an evil force that can only be stopped by the old and new Ghostbusters banding together to prevent a new ice age.

This is a psychological horror film that follows a very devout religious woman named Cecilia, who is offered a spot at the most illustrious convent in the Italian countryside. However, this apparent dream quickly becomes a nightmare when she discovers the horrors that are hidden within her new home.

Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire

This movie is a follow-up to the hit Godzilla vs. Kong that puts these two kaiju monsters in an all-new adventure. This time, Godzilla and King Kong have to face off against another colossal threat hidden deep within the Earth that challenges both their existence and that of mankind. The movie will explore the histories of these monsters, including the mythic battle that forged them in the first place.

Live-Action Movies Based On Anime That Are Actually Great

Screen Rant

New netflix martial arts anime breaks the mold with hero who defies modern convention.

Juzo Fujimaki of the upcoming Garouden: The Way of the Lone Wolf stands out for being likely one of the oldest heroes to appear in anime.

• Garouden offers a unique, battle-worn protagonist in an industry filled with athletic beauties.
• The anime provides experienced-based battles, a refreshing change from young, energy-fueled protagonists.
• NAZ's animation in the trailer promises visceral fight scenes, setting the stage for a potentially captivating martial arts story.

The new Netflix original anime, Garouden: The Way of the Lone Wolf is an oddity due to its older protagonist. Anime leads tend to never be visually older than their early twenties, but Garouden's Juzo Fujimaki is proudly aged, complete with his broad, bearded, and wizened features. This speaks of Garouden 's unique potential, where viewers will get to see their protagonist overcome the odds with experience rather than raw potential.

Netflix released a trailer unveiling its newest anime , which is slated to premiere on May 23. Martial arts anime are commonplace in the industry, as are the designs of its protagonists. This adaptation of Baku Yumemakura's novels ought to draw attention for having a lead with truly battle-worn features instead of athletic beauty , which emphasizes the cutthroat nature of the tournament he finds himself in.

For viewers wanting a unique compliment to other modern bare-knuckle brawls, Garouden may be welcome news .

Crunchyroll's New Manhwa Adaptation Proves it's The Season's Must-Watch Anime with New Episode

Garouden's burly protagonist is a refreshing change of pace, original novels published in 1995. anime produced by naz.

Netflix gives the following synopsis for Garouden:

On the run from his troubled past, Juzo is forced into competing in a deadly underground fighting tournament. Skilled in the respected martial art Takemiya-ryu, Juzo must navigate a path filled with formidable foes and his personal demons — all while dealing with a bounty of three million yen on his head and a detective on his trail.

Garouden is a bit of an anomaly for how it has avoided adaptation for over two decades, and for its aged protagonist. Unlike Baki Hanma or Ohma Tokita, with their chiseled, youthful physiques, Juzo is a bear of a man who dares lead the story with his thick beard. Furthermore, the story is all about Juzo trying to navigate and survive a bloodsport, rather than make his name like other young and upcoming martial arts protagonists; where they are characterized by their energy and untapped potential, Juzo brings finely honed techniques and experience to the matches, a rarity in anime .

NAZ's animation work seems to be up to snuff, given the trailer, with elaborately drawn physical exchanges and camera work adding an effective visceral element to the beatings Juzo will have to give out. While the studio is known more for support work, Netflix's sizable support and Atsushi Ikariya's experience in direction makes it seem as though Garouden will flow well. That's another advantage Juzo will need, since he'll be an odd duck in a sea of classically, conveniently handsome muscle-bound teenagers, for better – and for worse. Nonetheless, his features perfectly suit the gritty criminal underworld he's trapped in, and he looks capable .

Garouden Deserves Its Time in the Sun After Going Under the Radar

The intricate series of novels are finally getting the love they deserve.

The era Garouden hails from had more variance in terms of protagonists , and seeing Juzo turn up in 2024 is a breath of fresh air. Juzo has a unique backstory, unique stakes, and a uniquely surgical, no-holds-barred approach to fighting . If NAZ can provide fight choreography worth of the story they're adapting, martial arts fans may be in for a treat in a matter of weeks. If nothing else, Garouden: The Way of the Lone Wolf ought to be a respected companion to the likes of Baki the Grappler or Kengan Ashura, providing grimmer, more grounded, but beautifully realized fights.

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The life and music of Amy Winehouse, through the journey of adolescence to adulthood and the creation of one of the best-selling albums of our time. The life and music of Amy Winehouse, through the journey of adolescence to adulthood and the creation of one of the best-selling albums of our time. The life and music of Amy Winehouse, through the journey of adolescence to adulthood and the creation of one of the best-selling albums of our time.

• Sam Taylor-Johnson
• Matt Greenhalgh
• Marisa Abela
• Eddie Marsan
• Jack O'Connell
• 54 User reviews
• 62 Critic reviews
• 49 Metascore

• Amy Winehouse

• Mitch Winehouse

• Blake Fielder-Civil

• Cynthia Winehouse

• Joey the dealer

• Nick Shymansky

• Janis Winehouse

• Raye Cosbert

• Chris Taylor

• Artist Development Man
• Aunt Melody

• Perfume Paul

• All cast & crew
• Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

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Did you know

• Trivia Marisa Abela had done most of the singing in this film herself. She trained extensively to mimic Amy Winehouse 's vocals.

Technical specs

• Runtime 2 hours 2 minutes

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